Those not familiar with the inner workings of the venture capital industry tend to have a distorted view about how early-stage companies raise funds. Many think of Shark Tank — a group of VCs sitting around in their high-back leather chairs holding court with an unending line of CEOs pitching them for money. In reality, it’s not a parade of pitches, and being an early-stage investor isn’t like Shark Tank at all. Founders don’t line up around the block waiting to woo VCs. In fact, just the opposite is happening. VCs are lining up and begging founders to take their money. READ MORE