Personal Venture

It now takes no more than the click of a button for a person of reasonable income and a bit of money in the bank to join the elite world of high-stakes investors willing to risk cash on start-up companies.

Technology Funding, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm, said it began Tuesday to collect applications over the World Wide Web from individuals willing to invest as little as $1,000 in its latest venture fund.

The firm, which won regulatory approval Tuesday, claims to be “the first and the only” vehicle for individuals to invest in professional venture capital.

Of course, investors also must show they have at least $45,000 in assets, excluding their home and vehicles, and an annual income of at least $45,000. Furthermore, they should not expect their payback for at least a decade or more, and are encouraged to invest no more than 5% to 10% of their assets.

Since 1979, the fund has raised more than $315 million in capital in 11 public funds, financing more than 230 emerging growth companies.

The firm’s site is at https://www.techfunding.com