If you could pick any VC to invest in your start-up, who would you choose?

Law firm Dorsey and Whitney recently asked over 300 entrepreneurs this question, generating a list of the top venture capital firms in the United States, as told by the people benefiting most from their services. Entrepreneurs reported that they were looking for knowledge of the industry, the ability to move quickly in an investment, and deep pockets. So, who made the Top 3?

#1: Andreessen Horowitz
A start-up VC firm itself, Andreessen Horowitz has rapidly risen through the ranks of tech Venture Capitalists since the firm was set up by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz in 2009. With a portfolio that is a who’s-who of leaders in the world of tech start-ups (Skype, Facebook, Instagram, Groupon and more...), it is no wonder that entrepreneurs are clamoring for a partnership.

#2: Sequoia
In business since 1972, Sequoia has invested in companies that have shaped the tech industry, including Atari, Apple, YouTube, CISCO and Google. Entrepreneurs interested in reaching out to Sequoia can enjoy some great start-up and business-plan-writing advice, posted right there on the website, by a company that really knows what to look for in successful entrepreneurs! And there’s good news for SMEs in the Middle East: Sequoia invests in growth-stage companies across the globe.

#3: Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers
Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers (KPCB), established more than three decades ago, focuses on incubation and early-stage investments, globally. With specialities in greentech, digital and life sciences, KPCB has had a hand in the growth of such companies as Amazon, Symantec and WebMD. KPCB’s Insights blog is a high-end look into emerging trends in tech entrepreneurship.

VCs have a long history of funding successful start-ups in the United States, but are still a rare sight in the Middle East. However, recent years have seen an upsurge in locally-based VCs and international firms with an interest in the region. Check out our Funding Sources page for more information!

- Mary Ames
Educational Programs Manager//Shelter Dubai

Image available under CC License by Patrick Hoesly