Q: It seems that the venture community is dominated by a very few large names (Kleiner, Sequoia, etc.).  If I don’t get funded from one of those firms, is my company toast?

A: (Jason)  Nope!  While Kleiner and Sequoia deserve their great reputations, the list of successful venture backed companies that had syndicates that didn’t include either Kleiner or Sequoia is extremely long.   While having a great VC firm as an investor is often very helpful, the idea that you are “toast” if you don’t have an investment from one of them in nonsense. 

The real key is finding a partner at one of these firms who understands your business and whom you think you’ll have a great working relationship with.