There's a lack of funds for early-stage investment in France, and the US market is so competitive it's hard to get attention from venture funds.

With a specific focus on early-stage investment, the program often invests alongside angel investors to provide a company's first outside round of capital.

FOR Internet investors, early-stage investment is the holy grail.

This bridges the gap between seed-and early-stage investments.

Charles River Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in technology and new media companies.

It has traditionally focused on early-stage investments, but also does later-stage investments.

The elimination of the capital-gains tax differential removed any incentive for individuals to make early-stage investments, even on the back end of a venture investment.

A further incentive for both corporations and individual investors would be a lower tax rate on gains when early-stage investments are sold.

Tax incentives for private early-stage investments in high-tech startups must be instituted.

Julie Meyer, chief executive of Ariadne Capital, which makes early-stage investments in technology businesses, said she didn't believe there was undue cause for concern.