Inside Information What makes a venture capitalist tick?

To separate itself from the growing pack of companies creatingsoftware programs and Web sites that help entrepreneurs findventure capital, DataMerge Inc. is honing its investigativereporting skills. The company's VentureTrack 2000 CD-ROM goesbeyond the norm, delving into what motivates more than 500 venturecapitalists to fund companies.

DataMerge uncovered the reasons venture capitalists funded dealsby interviewing the investors, as well as people who had obtainedfinancing from them, says founder Spencer Kluesner. The result?VentureTrack 2000, which is ideal for high-growth companies seeking$1 million to $5 million, according to Kluesner. There are severalversions available; the edition tailored to entrepreneurs ($149)includes venture capitalist contact information, investmentcriteria and an overview of their portfolio companies as well asinvestor search software.

Also available are detailed Inside Tracks, lengthy profiles ofselected venture capitalists. Each includes information on theventure capitalists' past investments, why they like or dislikedeals, and what to say when trying to obtain funding. The profiles,which must be purchased separately for $50 each, also reveal howmuch money companies received and at what stage of development, andfeatures articles explaining the venture capital process.