What is the easiest way to raise venture capital in today's economy?

I just hosted an event about this issue in silicon valley. What the VCs said at the event, and their statement may have been a bit biased, was that in this economic climate, if you have a good idea it’s easier to get the money. There are for fewer people trying to get VC funding, so it is easier to break through the noise with a good idea.

I’d say there is never an “easy” way to raise venture financing. VCs see hundreds of companies and ideas every week.

I have a few thoughts for you:
1.) Target VCs that have shown an interest (e.g. they’ve made past investments) in the space your company operates. You might have the greatest idea ever for a film company, but some VCs might not fundamentally invest in “film” companies for one reason or another.

2.) Understand the types of companies VCs invest in. VCs invest in companies that can be huge (e.g. they are not niche ideas). VCs invest in companies where you can build some sort of defensiblity (e.g. you own the content, platform, have some sort of IP, etc).

3.) Understand how much money you need (e.g. $250k or $10M). The more money you try to raise, the more a VC will want to see what you already have (e.g. traction, a product, customers, etc). Looking to raise VC money in this environment with little more than a concept or idea will be extremely challenging.

4.) Understand whether VC $ is the right financing approach for you. Venture financing is extremely expensive. It might be better to bootstrap your idea/concept as long as possible until you have some real traction. Once you have traction, instead of telling a VC how great/different your idea is, you can simply show them the traction (e.g. distribution, users, revenue, product, etc).

I hope this helps.