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[Atomical]

I have a non-provisional software patent and I would like to show it around to investors.  So far Google has been the only easy contact, although I'm sure my idea will be rebuffed by no reply.  Does anyone have any suggestions for contacting businesses who may have a legitimate interest in your invention?  Sure, I could send out a bunch of emails to general email boxes for large corporations, but the chances of them responding are nil.  If my idea sucks then the goal would be to get some feedback.

[LF]

In general, Cold calling has low hit rates. Sending it to someone inside you might know, or whose job is to evaluate stuff like yours will work best.

Since those contacts might be unavailable for you, I would try the investors relations portion of the company before trying the general mailbox.

[biopico]

What about the Chief Business Officer, or Business Relatioins Manager in prospective companies?

[CriterionD]

I would aim for the Director of New Product Development if it exists.  Possibly a marketing executive.  

Without doing in depth research, press releases and annual reports are usually available on company websites and can help point you to the names of various executives.  Additionally there may be databases available online through your local library that can help identify executives at particular companies.

Its tough because the "right" contact at each company will differ.  And if the person you get hrough to is unimportant enough it could be useless as that person will not carry any weight around the office, and yet if the person would be considered too important to spend time and thought on a random invention that could work against you as well.  Creativity can help put together a well laid plan.

"If my idea sucks then the goal would be to get some feedback,"  thats the other thing, looking for feedback should be a separate mission than looking for investment.  You want to be able to approach potential investors with more confidence than that.  Ideally you want feedback before going to potential investors - this will either help boost your confidence or help you improve your pitch (or, I guess in some cases it could just save you time and effort).

[JimIvey]

I've heard it's easier to get someone from sales on your side (they tend to be excited about new things vs. a product manager who sees your idea as one more thing to manage).  Once you have a salesperson on your side, the support goes up the chain of command rather than laterally to the product manager who might rather keep things as they are.

I have not expertice in that particular area -- it's just one more view point to consider.

Regards.

[Patent_Marketer]

This is a marketing issue, which is my field, and I'd be happy to help you. Investors is just one route. I like to go directly to the major firms that would benefit from your patent, make presentations to the top people in each firm, and set up an "auction" process, whenever possible, to bring you maximum return in the shortest possible time--a process I learned  when I was involved in M & A activity with investment banking in the 80s.

Auction or not, most patent holders are shocked at how much the right major firms will pay for the licensure of their patent--either on an exclusive basis or simply along with their competitors.

Again, I'd be happy to help you reach your goal. Call me @(212) 874-2835.

At your service--

Patent Marketer

[NeoDeas]

Although it's a resource I've never used myself, jigsaw.com may be useful in identifying the right people within a company, and I believe it also provides contact info.