Program pairs experienced execs with start-up entrepreneurs

Knowing how the game is played can be more helpful than being handed a bag of money.

When approaching the Valley of Death, most entrepreneurs don’t seek comfort from the Psalms. They prefer cash.

The valley is what start-up companies call the period when their original "angel" investor cash begins to run out, but the young firms haven’t matured to the point where venture capitalists or others are prepared to invest.

"Almost any young entrepreneur you ask will have the same answer to the question of what they need to succeed," said Tom Churchwell, managing director of the Chicago-based ARCH Development Partners venture fund. "They say it’s money."

BY JON VAN

Full Story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon_notebook_1217dec17,0,1553477.story