Venture Capital firms, particularly early stage investors, generally prefer to invest in companies in close geographic proximity.
Regional VC associations provide forums for partners of member firms to share deal flow, as well as discuss local economic conditions and issues.
National associations provide research services as well as lobbying power with national governments.
Angel Investors are high net worth individuals who fund very early-stage start-ups.
Angel Investors often meet in groups to evaluate new companies and concepts and to potentially pool funds.
The NVCA is the national venture capital association of the United States. Their website features VC news, statistics, summaries of lobbying efforts, and links to the PriceWaterhouseCoopers MoneyTree survey.