I am now, have been and will be wrong

In an earlier bit, I said, that if you're going to be asking for people to give you $5 mil, you're going to need to give them peace of mind that you'll do well with their money. And I stepped down from Partner, until associate/analyst.

But how do you get into that group initially?
I said I was lucky, but not everyone will have the same path. However, the more opportunities you give yourself, the 'luckier' you will be.

Volunteer to work with nonprofits in the area that target entrepreneurs. Look to work with SCORE/ SBA/SBIC's etc. Even if it's for free. What you need is experience, and referenceable companies. It always helps if those companies are still in business, when you use them as a reference.

I've worked with the MIT Enterprise Foundation of Washington DC/Baltimore. They've got many chapters around the world. Look to the local university, see if they have an entrepreneurship program, and see what you can do to help. The people at these programs are networked into the local business community.

Proving in a volunteer organization that you were able to help companies, 'save investments', etc. will put you in higher standing than someone who is fresh to the industry and has no connections. However, you must be cautious in which companies you help and how you provide assistance. Those choices will create your personal history and portfolio.