Group hopes to unite West Virginia's venture capital community.

Byline: Jim Balow

Nov. 16--The money is there -- about $100 million of venture capital, waiting to be invested.

The network is there -- nearly a dozen venture capital firms, certified to do business in West Virginia. The infrastructure is there, one the envy of other states, thanks to the foresight of the state Legislature.

Perhaps the only missing element is a wealth of entrepreneurs with visionary ideas for new companies, ready to set up shop in the Mountain State.

"All of us are continuing to look for venture-backable companies in the state," said Eric Lewis, executive director of Walker Ventures of Shepherdstown and Glenwood, Md.

"I can't say we've found a critical mass, but none of us were under the delusion we'd find that right away anyway. We're trying to put together the deals for 2007. That's why it takes us working today. But we're not …