Keiretsu Forum’s Investor Capital Expo Highlights Resilience and Opportunity in Early-Stage Investments (Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic)

Angel Capital Association Provides Compelling Information to Broaden Definition of an Accredited Investor, Countering SEC’s Ambition to Exclude More Investors

During the Securities and Exchange Commission’s meeting of the Investor Advisory Committee (IAC) yesterday (September 21, 2023), a representative from the Angel Capital Association (ACA) gave a compelling presentation advocating on behalf of his industry and why we need more Accredited Investors and NOT fewer. The remarks were delivered by ACA CEO Patrick Gouhin.

What should you keep in mind when approaching investors?

Margaret Bacheler, director of educational initiatives for the Angel Capital Association, said this is a relationship-oriented business, so it’s important to start one with an investor on the right foot. Rather than cold messaging or cold calling, take advantage of events and opportunities to get in front of the right investors, she said. “The average angel deal right now is taking, believe it or not, eight to 10 years for an exit,” said Bacheler. “So this is a long-term relationship that we’re seeing with founders.”

Angel Investors are Narrowing the Gender and Racial Funding Gaps: More Progress is On the Horizon

Kansas City, KS (21 February 2022) – The Angel Capital Association, the largest network of angel investors in the world, confirms that angel investors are investing in more diverse founders than ever before.

Dunkin’ Legal Chief Trades Donut Gig for Angel Investing (Launchpad Venture Group)

Launchpad’s senior managing director is Christopher Mirabile, chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association and chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor Advisory Committee.

The VC World Can Support Female Entrepreneurs’ Success By Neutralizing Bias

Female investors also tend to invest twice as much in female founders, a comprehensive study led by the Angel Capital Association revealed.

How to Get SaaS Startup Funding

According to the Angel Capital Association, these investors are likely to commit between $5,000 and $100,000. In comparison, VC firms usually invest an average of around $2.5 million in capital, though these values can be pretty broad.

Big Launch Challenge 2021 Winners!

The two-day event offered a unique experience for both angel investors and entrepreneurs filled with immersive learning and networking. ACA, the world's largest professional organization for accredited investors hosted the two-day conference from October 13th to 14th for accredited investors and entrepreneurs.

DBusiness Daily Update: Movie Night Returning to Detroit’s Monroe Street Drive-In Nov. 12, and More

The grant will allow TechTown Detroit, in partnership with the Angel Capital Association (ACA), VentureWell, and Ann Arbor SPARK (AAS), to recruit and train 200 high-net-worth individuals from Michigan who are underrepresented in the angel investor community and activate their potential as investors with a goal of supporting 50 projects, totaling $34.7 million in early-stage capital.

Big Launch Challenge finalists announced

ACA Angel University at The Big Launch Challenge is a two-day event offering a unique experience for both angel investors and entrepreneurs that will be filled with immersive learning and networking. Two courses offered will prove valuable to both angel investors and entrepreneurs – Angel Exit Strategy and Risks in Angel Investing. This is the first time these two courses are being taught with angels and entrepreneurs learning together. Angels will learn how to get to successful paydays – harvesting their investments by helping their companies manage risks and achieve successful exits.

Investment angels seek more members to expand Northern Michigan presence

According to the Angel Capital Association, angels are high net-worth individuals who invest their money in start-up companies in exchange for an equity share of the businesses in many cases.

Tech Millionaires Fear Their Favorite Tax Break Will Be Chopped

“We’re mobilizing all the resources we’ve got,” said Angel Capital Association CEO Patrick Gouhin, who argued QSBS is especially valuable for incentivizing “high risk” early-stage investments. “This can be devastating to the startup ecosystem. This is going to make it more challenging for entrepreneurs to find the capital they need to grow their companies.”

Launch Place, Angel Capital Association partner in October events

The Launch Place and the Angel Capital Association (ACA)’s Angel University are partnering to bring together angel investors and entrepreneurs to learn, share and network.

The Launch Place will partner with the Angel Capital Association for October training, pitch contest

The Launch Place will partner with the Angel Capital Association (ACA) for an in-person event at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park in October 2021 that’s designed to bring together angel investors and early-stage startup founders and their teams.

Reps. Phillips, Walorski introduce bill to provide relief to startups

The bill has gained the support of several industry groups, including Medical Device Manufacturers Association, TechNet, Medical Alley Association, Center for American Entrepreneurship, Angel Capital Association, Technology Councils of North America, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Advanced Medical Technology Association, and National Venture Capital Association.

Algenesis Honored with 2021 Luis Villalobos Award for Innovative Technology from the Angel Capital Association

Tech Coast Angels (TCA) announced today that the Angel Capital Association has awarded the 2021 Luis Villalobos Award for Technology, Services and Consumer category to Algenesis.

How The Investment Ecosystem Is Shifting This Year

The Angel Capital Association, for instance, is working hard to address conference attendees’ needs in a virtual environment through more interactivity. As a “shecaster,” or a woman podcaster, I was so encouraged to learn about the association’s recently-launched new podcast called Angels Live!, in which host Marcia Dawood will energetically and educationally discuss “why and how” people become angels and the types of innovative companies they support.

Everything You Need to Know About Angel Investors

"A lot of angel investors were entrepreneurs themselves and want to give back to the local community. They like the mentoring aspect," Patrick Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association, told business.com.

Angel Investing 101 – Complete Guide

70% of seed round investments in 2019 were less than $250K according to Angel Capital Association. You don’t have to be a millionaire!

Funding Female Founders: If Male VCs Won’t Do It, Women Angels And Limited Partners Will

The importance of angels to female founders cannot be understated: 27% of angel portfolio companies have a woman CEO, according to the Angel Funders Report 2020 by the Angel Capital Association.

What leadership skill emerged in you during the crises of 2020 that you didn’t know you had?

ACA Chief Executive Officer shares his lessons learned.

SPROCKIT Surpasses $2 Billion USD Milestone

As part of SPROCKIT’s partnership with Angel Capital Association, Glazer will introduce SPROCKIT companies during the ACA Fall Angel Forum on October 27-28. 2020 ACA Summit Assure Award winner OMNI Arsenal, along with JUMP.tv and Podcast Village are among companies that will be highlighted as best tech investments during the Innovation Showcase for Diverse Founders.

Flush with $3.5M and new Experian partnership, Raleigh’s Global Data expands worldwide footprint

Last year, angel investors invested around $38 million in the Southeast – but only 5 percent of funds went to founders/CEOs who were non-white, according to a recent report released by the Angel Capital Association (ACA).

North Coast Ventures workshop looks at how a startup's board of directors can be critical to success

Robert Weissman, a longtime angel investor and a member of the board of directors of the Angel Capital Association, an alliance of more than 100 angel investor groups, told the audience that the startup board will help define a company's mission and hire, fire and set the compensation for the managing executive.

Angel Investing should move "from a black art to a legitimate science"

7 Steps to Turning Your Idea or Invention Into Cash

You can also visit the Angel Capital Association’s website for more information on finding angel investors.

The Face Of Angel Investing Is Changing. Here’s What You Need To Know

Everything You Need to Know About Angel Investors

6 Ways to Finance Your Business Idea

The World Needs More Female Investors

Michigan Angels Closes $2 Million Investment Fund 4

‘Sometimes I feel like the lone ranger.’ New group wants to find more female investors.

Alternative Funding Options To Get Your Dream Business Off The Ground

How To Grow Your Startup With The Help Of An Angel Investor

ANGIN at GIST Investors Forum 2019 in the United States (VentureWell)

The Angel Capital Association (ACA) delivered a session about designing educational tools that serve as a guidance for aspiring investors. The association itself provides free and paid materials about executing investment and hosts various webinars covering various topics around early stage investment.

When Women Invest in Other Women

Tap into your network or talk to other female angels for advice. As female entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, and leaders, it’s our responsibility to empower the women around us, and on the flip side, be okay with asking for help when we need it. You never know who will have the knowledge you need to succeed, so ask questions. Resources like AngelList or the Angel Capital Association may be helpful in locating fellow angels in your area.

5 tips on how to woo a deep-pocketed angel investor to fund your big idea

Made up of angels with varying levels of investing experience, such groups have proliferated in recent years, in part because they allow members to pool their capital to do larger deals and work together to evaluate opportunities. Rose estimates that there are about 400 angel groups in the U.S. alone. You’ll find links to hundreds of angel groups — along with some links to platforms that connect accredited investors and start-ups — in the Angel Capital Association’s membership directory.

RTP Capital’s $5M+ Invested In Triangle Startups Proves Angels Are Real (RTP Capital)

Mark Friedman of RTP Capital speaks at the Angel Capital Association's Southeast Regional Meeting last month in RTP. RTP Capital co-hosted the event along with The Launch Place of Danville, Va., and RTP. Eva Doss, the President and CEO of The Launch Place, is to Friedman's immediate left.

Angel Investment Number 03: My Road to Another Deal

I’m a member via Florida Funders. Much in the way that CompTIA produces educational webcasts, events and research for MSPs and IT solutions providers, the Angel Capital Association delivers similar how-to materials to angel investors.

Angel investing is growing in SE, but there’s a hitch: only 5% are African-American founders

Only 5 percent of founders/CEOs were non-white. Compare that to the national average of 11.5 percent, according to a report released by the Angel Capital Association (ACA) today.

Intake, a Raleigh health tech startup, nabs first prize at Big Launch Challenge

The Big Launch Challenge is sponsored by The Launch Place, an entrepreneurial organization based in Danville, Va., with a second office in RTP, and the First Flight Venture Center in the Park. In its sixth year, the event was held in conjunction with the Angel Capital Association’s (ACA) Southeast Regional Meeting.

Angel investors pour $228 million into startups in 2019; drive almost $2 billion in startup investments

Angel investors are the life blood that nourishes startups before venture capitalists (VCs) step in. In fact, angels provide 90% of early equity capital. Yet there are few detailed, verified data reports available on angel investments. The Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world’s largest angel investor association, is working to change this. The 2019 Angel Funders Report is the largest source of verified angel investment data available.

Next Act Fund invests in gin startup, health tech firm

A Pittsburgh-based fund focused on companies led by women entrepreneurs on Tuesday confirmed two investments. NAF was part of Joylux’s $3.7 million financing round. The company, which creates home-use devices and intimate care products for postpartum and menopausal women, first met with NAF at the Angel Capital Association’s annual conference in April.

10 finalists to make pitches for cash, support services at Big Launch Challenge in RTP

Sponsored by The Launch Place, the sixth annual Big Launch Challenge is taking place in conjunction with the Angel Capital Association’s (ACA) Southeast Regional Meeting. ACA, the world’s largest professional organization for accredited investors. RTP Capital Associates, Inc. and The Launch Place are also supporting the conference.

Purdue@Westgate Hosts 2nd Annual Angel Investing in Startups Workshop

The second annual Angel Investing in Startups Workshop and pitch event will be hosted by Purdue@WestGate at WestGate Academy on Tuesday, Aug.6. The workshop will discuss the fundamentals of angel investing, including the entrepreneurial capital ecosystem, the angel investing process, how to manage post-funding relationships between investors and entrepreneurs and more. The workshop and panel discussion will be led by Steve Baggott, a certified Angel Capital Association (ACA) instructor.

Queen City Angels leader gets national post, brings convention to Cincinnati

“Tony’s experience and reputation within the angel community, coupled with his passion for the Angel Capital Association, will serve him well as he sets the future course for ACA,” ACA CEO Pat Gouhin said in a release. “These are exciting times for the community, the profession and the organization and we are fortunate to have the right person at the right time.”

8 Tips To Improve Your Odds When Facing An Angel Investor

A due diligence folder contains the data that validates your business and proves that your business is low-risk. Investors use due diligence to determine whether a potential investment is worthy of funding. According to a report from the Angel Capital Association, investors who spent at least 20 hours on due diligence were five times more likely to have a positive return.

Redding Venture Conference attracts local entrepreneurs and investors

Put creative entrepreneurs and potential investors in the same room and you don't know what might happen, but there will be a lot of energy generated. "I've never seen this much energy in a meeting like this, ever. And I've been going to these things for 20 years." said Keynote Speaker Marianne Hudson.

Northern Ontario Angels named #1 Angel Organization in North America in dollars and deals

Northern Ontario Angels has been named as the #1 Angel Organization in Canada for the past 5 to 6 years, but this year have been named the #1 Angel Organization in North America. This announcement comes from the 2018 Angel Funders Report conducted by the Angel Capital Association, of which NOA is a standing member. The collecting data of the Angel Funders Report was from 68 angel groups across the United States and Canada says a news release from the group.

Joylux Named One of the Top Three Most Innovative Companies by Angel Capital Association

Joylux to be honored at the Angel Capital Association's 2019 Summit as a top-three finalist for the prestigious Luis Villalobos Award.

Should Entrepreneurs Start Thinking More Like Angel Investors?

An angel investor, for example, might invest around $25,000-$100,000 per startup to achieve positive returns on a small portion of them. One 2017 study, "The American Angel," cited average angel investments ranging from $32,000 to $44,000, depending on the U.S. region. Likewise, with $100,000 capital, you could potentially start 10 businesses with a budget of $10,000 each, build 10 minimum viable products (MVPs), and gather feedback on all of them to find the one that resonates with the market, which could take you one step closer to your goal.

Explore Startup Investing Beyond Silicon Valley

Join an angel group. The Angel Capital Association (ACA) lists more than 400 angel groups in its database. These groups are located across the United States and usually tap into geographic or alumni-network specific deal flow. Whether it’s the Frontier Angels of Montana, the Miami Angels of South Florida, Wolverine Angels for University of Michigan alums or the hundreds of other options, there’s ample variety to choose from. Many groups focus on regular in person meetings and close collaboration to vet deals, pool capital and support companies after investment. Some groups have structured "angel funds" that allow investors to build a diverse portfolio of startups with less of a time commitment. Be aware that not all angel groups are created equal; they vary widely in terms of culture, check size, how they treat founders and how they approach due diligence.

Recruitment drive under way to find 75 new ‘business angels’

Among the speakers lined up to appear at the event are AMCS co-founder and chief executive Jimmy Martin, former BT Young Scientist of the Year and Forbes “30 under 30” listee, Shane Curran, and Marianne Hudson, a serial investor and executive director of Angel Capital Association, reportedly the world’s leading association for angel investors.

Five Ways Women Will Get Women The Funding They Need In 2019

Between 2004 — the year the Center of Venture Research started tracking angel investors by gender — and 2017, the number of women angels has increased five fold. Of angels who started investing within the last two years, 30% are women, according to The American Angel, commissioned by the Angel Capital Association. “They’re committing a significant amount of early capital to fund women-led businesses,” said Kay Koplovitz, cofounder and chairman of Springboard Enterprises, and managing partner of Springboard Growth Capital. Springboard, an accelerator for high-potential women entrepreneurs, has partnered with Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) to do a series of Women Funding Women events.

How Kern Venture Group wants to raise up Bakersfield's startup community

One such group is the Angel Capital Association, a coalition of 250 groups representing about 13,000 individual investors. Membership Director Sarah Dickey said by joining the association, KVG opens the opportunity for startups it is working with to reach out and strike financing agreements with individuals across North America. "It essentially puts a flag in the community" signaling the local startup community is open for business, Dickey said of Kern Venture Group's move to become part of the association.

How Women Are Changing The Game For Women Entrepreneurs

Until recently, opportunities to invest in private companies were limited to accredited investors — wealthy people — who become angel investors. This type of investing takes a lot of time and effort, as well as a significant financial commitment, to be successful as Marianne Hudson, a Forbes contributor, angel investor, and Executive Director of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), has written.

New investor report: Women-led startups more likely to get angel support than VC backing

Angel investors support 10-times more women-led companies than venture capital-backed investors, revealed a first-of-its-kind report by the Kansas City-based Angel Capital Association. “It didn’t shock us,” said Marianne Hudson, executive director of the ACA, the world’s largest cohort of angel investors. Hudson cited previous ACA research that indicated 21 percent of angel investors had been identified as women.

Why the Business World Needs More Female Angel Investors

Angel investors are high net-worth people who invest his or her own money in a business and in return, get an equity share of that company. A study done by the Angel Capital Association and Wharton Entrepreneurship, which surveyed 1,659 U.S.-based angel investors, showed that 77.9 percent of angels are male. However, of the angels who started in 2014 or later, 30 percent of new angels are women.

Next Wave Impact CEO Alicia Robb is Helping More Diverse Founders Fund Their Companies

Next Wave Impact is working to increase diversity in angel investing and high growth entrepreneurship through an innovative learning-by-doing model led by an experienced investment committee of twelve women from across the country. Their fund is made up of 99 investors and will build a portfolio of investments in early stage impact companies, diversified across industry and geography, over a four year investment period.

Early stage investing in startups is essential

We follow the Angel Capital Association's best practices for due diligence. We have a reputation for professionalism and trust that has repeatedly attracted national capital into Oklahoma deals.

Des Moines to host Best of the Midwest Angel Capital Association Conference

As Des Moines prepares to host the third Best of the Midwest Angel Capital Association (ACA) Conference in September, organizers are rallying to make the regional meeting stand out. “These meetings move from place to place every year, so it’s likely we won’t be seeing this meeting again for 10 to 15 years,” said Mike Colwell, executive director of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

You, Too, Can Invest Like Melinda Gates

Increasingly, women are putting on angel wings. While overall 22% of angels are women, 30% of those who became angels in last two years are women, according to The American Angel, research by the Angel Capital Association.

Congress Acts to Expand Capital Formation Rules While Rolling Back Dodd-Frank Regulation

This alert highlights three of these provisions: a new exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) for micro venture capital funds and investor syndicates; an increased threshold before mandated disclosures are required in connection with equity compensation grants to employees under Rule 701 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”); and an expanded application of Regulation A+ under the Securities Act.

How Individuals Can Invest in Tech Startups

The Angel Capital Association offers a list of its member groups on its website. Angel groups often invite prospective members to visit meetings to get to know and evaluate the groups.

How Women Angels Are Good For Innovation And The Economy

As more women have become angels, more women-led companies have been funded. Nearly one in five (24%) angel-backed companies were women-led in 2017 vs. 15% in 2002 — a jump of 75%, according to the Center for Venture Research. In large part, this is due to an increase in the percentage of women angels over the past decade, which rose from 12% to 20%. Women are dramatically more likely to say they care about the gender of the founder than men — 51% versus 6%, according The American Angel Report by the Angel Capital Association. Yet, the reality is that men all too often invest in entrepreneurs that look just like them.

One of the Southeast’s most important investors on why social impact investing pays

At the 2018 ACA Summit this spring in Boston, the numbers of women have grown exponentially (upwards of 30% of attendees) and the theme of the conference centered on diversity, inclusion and impact. The ACA is embracing and celebrating the increased diversity and interests of its membership and this year’s summit clearly showcased those efforts.

CNote Among the Angels

I recently attended the Angel Capital Association (ACA) annual event in Boston. ACA is largest angel professional development organization in the world and CNote was honored at the event as a Finalist for the Luis Villalobos Award – an award recognizing the most ingenious and innovative idea financed by members of the ACA.

Angel investors to gather in Boise

The Angel Capital Association is holding its Northwest regional meeting in Boise next month.The event will include a luncheon aimed at encouraging women to get involved in early stage investing. Startup companies use angel investing as their initial funding to explore an idea, said Jolene Anderson, chapter president of the Boise/Sun Valley Keiretsu Forum.

Innovative Ideas at TechStars Demo Day

TechStars, a global accelerator of startups, hosted Demo Day immediately following the 2018 ACA Summit in Boston earlier this month. A first-ever collaboration, TechStars partnered with the U.S. Air Force for demonstrations of ideas attractive to both the military and private sector. General Stephen Wilson, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, was in attendance along with angel investors, VC’s, law firms and financial institutions. Executive Director of ACA, Marianne Hudson, says “Boston is such a great ecosystem for startups and then you add a TechStars event. That’s not everywhere”.

Indico Founder Part of AI Discussion at 2018 Angel Capital Association Summit

Indico founder and CTO, Slater Victoroff, will participate in a discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) at the 2018 Angel Capital Association Summit taking place April 18-20 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston. Titled AI and ML: Separating Transformative Opportunities, the interactive session will focus on how investors can weigh the opportunities, risks and potential returns in this emerging area of technology. Victoroff will be joined by Sarah Fay of Glasswing Ventures, and Jason Pontin of Flagship Pioneering will moderate.

Angel groups are the latest boom in investing

According to the Angel Capital Association, 60 percent of entrepreneurs who become angels take on an advisory role in their portfolio company and more than 50 percent take a board seat

History-Making 300 Irish Angels Attend HBAN’s All-Island Conference

Key speakers included super angel Christopher Mirabile, who outlined his advice for angel investors based on his experience of more than 60 investments, focusing on the importance of syndicated investing. Serial tech entrepreneur Peter Cowley spoke about what to look for in an investee company, key metrics for evaluating companies, the importance of investing as part of a syndicate and some of the pitfalls in angel investing. Feargall Kenny summarised what Irish start-ups need to do to break into the US market, giving a list of 10 things not to do.

American Angel study: who are the angel investors pumping $25B into startups every year?

Angel investors pump $25 billion into startups annually. Who is the American Angel investor? The American Angel study by the Angel Capital Association (ACA) set out to answer that question by surveying 1,659 angels nationally, the largest such study ever conducted. They asked the angels 40 quantitative questions and four qualitative ones then conducted empirical tests to ensure the quality of the results.

Angel investors can give wings to startup companies

Now there's a new report out that presents the results of the largest ever study of the profile and investment behavior of angels. Commissioned by the Angel Capital Associate and the John Huston Fund for Angel Professionalism, The American Angel is based on a survey of more than 1,600 accredited angel investors in the U.S. It's informative reading for any Oklahoman with a vested interest in the job creation that comes from successful startup companies, and that includes most of us.

Halo Business Angel Network Announce National Conference

There will be a number of international speakers at the conference including super angel Christopher Mirabile and serial tech entrepreneur Peter Cowley who can both draw on the experience of having made more than 130 angel investments between them. Christopher Mirabile has personally made more than 70 angel investments and is the Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association in the US, managing director at Launchpad Venture Group and the co-founder of angel portfolio management tool – Seraf Investor. Christopher among many other roles has also served as a public CFO with Irish Software company IONA Technologies and will discuss his experiences as a business angel and his learnings from investing.

Study: Women angel investors more likely to give back to female-led startups

As more female entrepreneurs have entered the business field in the past few decades, women have begun to reshape the nature of angel investing, according to a report by the Overland Park-based Angel Capital Association. “Being an entrepreneur is one of the best pathways to becoming an angel investor,” said Marianne Hudson, executive director of the association, reflecting on the study. “On top of that, as women became angel investors, they were good at getting the word out to other women to join the angel community and particularly targeted strong education and networking programs to help women get started more successfully in this field.”

How To Put Your Money Where Your Feminism Is

Depending on the size of your portfolio and your risk tolerance, you may want to become an angel investor. More women are doing so every day. Women invest differently than men, according to The American Angel, a report by the Angel Capital Association. They are more likely to invest in female founders.

CCC 2017 Keynote Address: Elaine Bolle of RTP Capital

Watch Elaine Bolle's Keynote address for the 29th annual Colorado Capital Conference as she discusses new insights and statistics from the American Angel Campaign, a research project spearheaded by the Angel Capital Association asking the question, who are American Angels?

More women are becoming angel investors, and many want to help make the world a better place

There is not yet parity among angel investors, but women are gaining: 22 percent were female in a survey this year of Angel Capital Association members.

'We're the matchmaker and dating agency for startups and investors'

Ireland's Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN) is doing well. The work of the organisation, which is responsible for the promotion of business angel investment countrywide, was highlighted at an Angel Capital Association (ACA) global conference in the US earlier this year.

How To Visualize Owner Equity, Funding Rounds And Exit Strategy

Entrepreneurs are visual people. Exploring ‘what if’ scenarios can be a motivating exercise for those that want to see how their equity interest may shift as their baby grows.

Should Tech Investors Curb Their Enthusiasm?

What makes this time different is that Apple and many major tech titans, such as the FANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix (NFLX) and Google parent Alphabet), have intrinsic value, says Christopher Mirabile, managing director at Launchpad Venture Group and chair of Angel Capital Association in Newton, Massachusetts. Many of the tech companies in the 2000 dot-com crash were initial public offerings, with unproven business models and "no underlying value," Mirabile says. "They were cranked out by venture capitalists and investment bankers, prematurely doing IPOs and getting dumped on Wall Street."

Queen City Angels’ Tony Shipley Elected as Vice Chair, Angel Capital Association

he Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world’s leading professional association for angel investors, has elected Tony Shipley of Queen City Angels (Cincinnati) as vice chair, effective July 1.

GOP chairman gets hundreds of thousands of comments on tax reform

Other comments focused on specific tax provisions and business sectors. For example, the Angel Capital Association made recommendations about tax policies that can help start-ups.

Under Silicon Valley’s Rough Turf, Tunnels of Women’s Networks Spread

Women make up a steadily increasing share of angel investors, says Marianne Hudson, executive director of Angel Capital Association, a professional organization for angel investors in the United States and Canada. The percentage of women attending the group’s annual conference has stair-stepped from 25 percent two years ago to 35 percent at this year’s event, which was attended by 650 participants, Hudson says. Half the speakers were women.

Linda Lorraine Smith elected chair of the Angel Capital Association

Linda Lorraine Smith, an active member of the Sierra Angels (Lake Tahoe) has been elected chair of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world's leading professional association for angel investors.

Game Changers Silicon Valley with Jim Connor

Hi, and welcome to The Successful Pitch. I’m honored today to have Jim Connor as my guest. Jim is the executive producer at Game Changers in Silicon Valley. He is a member of the Sand Hill Angels, he was the CEO of the First Focus Learning Systems, and he’s also on the board of the Angel Capital Association and Startup Learning in addition to being on the board of several other successful startups.

Adams first Coloradan to join national Angel Capital Association board

“It’s really refreshing to see people who take investment seriously,” he told BizWest in a phone interview. After attending annual and regional conferences, Adams said, he started to get more engaged with ACA, even joining the education committee, a topic about which he’s most passionate.

Wanted: More Startups And More Savvy Angel Investors

“More and more angel groups recognize that [overall] the best decisions and the best deal flow comes from a diverse membership,” said Marianne Hudson, Executive Director at ACA. She is also a Forbes contributor. Also reducing the risk are the number and quality of accelerators, boot camps and entrepreneurial training programs that are increasing and improving the quality of entrepreneurial ventures.

2017 VentureOhio Report

“ In addition to financial capital, many angels also provide intellectual capital through mentoring, connections, and expertise on successful growth and exits from their own past experiences as entrepreneurs. Many name brand companies with hundreds of thousands of employees were initially funded by angels—Google, Starbucks, and Facebook are just a few of the examples.

6 Easy Ways To Find Private Investors For Your Tech Startup

The most sensible place to start, angel networks offer more than just capital — they are mentors, guides, and your access point to a much larger group of contacts. Begin your search at the Angel Capital Association.

Executives: Venture capital, tax credits needed for bioscience growth

More than 20 states have some kind of tax credit program available to angel investors, according to the Overland Park, Kan.-based Angel Capital Association. Michigan is now only one of four states nationally without a research and development tax credit, Rapundalo said. "Not having both have made us less competitive," he said.

New Bill Could Double the Number of Investors for Startups

Although the startup bill still has to be approved by the full U.S. Senate before it can become law, Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a Kansas City, Missouri-based trade group with 13,000 accredited investor members, elaborated on the bill’s potential impact, should it become a law. “The bill will be helpful for startups, because it would allow for more people to invest via angel funds or online platforms like AngelList, the world’s largest online investing platform for accredited investors,” says Hudson.

BlueTree's Mott honored by Angel Capital Association

The Angel Capital Association honored Catherine Mott, founder of Wexford-based BlueTree Allied Angels and BlueTree Venture Fund, at the 2017 ACA Summit in San Francisco. Mott won the Hans Severiens Award, presented annually to an individual who advances the field of angel investing.

Use this year’s angel investor rankings to place your startup

For the second year in a row, Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN) has won the coveted #1 ranking at the Angel Capital Association’s annual ACA Summit in San Francisco.

2017 Angel Capital Association Summit: Angel Investors Drive the Success of American Startups and Economic Growth

e Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world's largest professional organization for accredited investors, will host investors from around the world at its 2017 ACA Summit, April 26-28 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. ACA Summit speakers will address topics impacting individual investors and investment strategies, including building diversity among entrepreneurs, Trump Administration impact on healthcare investing, and growth in new sectors such as blockchain and cannabis startups.

Start-Ups Need to Stop Prioritizing Investments Over Sales & Silicon Valley Needs to Stop Making Up Valuations

According to the Angel Capital Association, the best available estimates are that about 300,000 people have made an angel investment in the last two years. That’s a lot of gamble capital given that 52% of this investment will likely be entirely lost. Many more people could become angels based on a net worth of $1 million or more. The potential number of angel investors is 4 million. In fact, if we throw in the equity crowd funding groups that allow people to invest with just $5k, the potential universal set of US investors willing to play the tech startup roulette is massive.

Propel(x) Named Premier Sponsor of Angel Capital Association 2017 Summit

“Propel(x) is a leading innovator in angel investing and science, so we’re pleased to have them as the premier sponsor of the Summit,” said Marianne Hudson, ACA executive director. “I think our angel investors will particularly value Swati’s presentation about the three big themes that Propel(x) sees coming up in the next decade.”

BusinessWomen First Winner: Catherine Mott

When the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was under review, Catherine Mott stepped up to make sure her industry wasn’t adversely affected. As a member of the public policy committee of the Angel Capital Association, she helped affect changes in proposed regulations.

Ideashares Radio showcase multiple angels at 2016 Angel Insights Exchange

Ideashares Radio’s Brian Church and Les Stouder interview Angel Capital Association angels Curtis Gunn (Desert Angels), Elaine Bolle (Chapel Hill, NC), and Ben Cooper (Nashville, TN).

Ideashares Radio discuss artificial intelligence and more at the 2016 Angel Insights Exchange

Brian Church and Les Stouder of Ideashares Radio broadcast from the 2016 Angel Insights Exchange in Nashville, discussing artificial intelligence, how to raise capital; and interviewing CrowdCheck’s Sara Hanks and Hub Angel’s David Verrill.

Ideashares Radio interview with Angel Capital Association’s Marianne Hudson and other angels at 2016 Angel Insights Exchange

Brian Church and Les Stouder of Ideashares Radio, “the nation’s airwave incubator for entrepreneurs, innovators and intellectual property holders,” interview Frontier Angel’s Bill Payne, ACA’s Marianne Hudson, and angel Robert Ritch at the 2016 Angel Insights Exchange in Nashville.

Taxpayers assuming some of the risk for Louisiana's angel investors: smart move or giveaway?

"What I generally see is it improves the climate for the support of entrepreneurs so much that most states bend over backwards to keep it, even when they're in financial peril," said Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, which has more than 13,000 accredited members.

The Law of Startups - Episode #87 Marianne Hudson - Executive Director of the Angel Capital AssociationT

This week we chat with Marianne Hudson of the Angel Capital Association about startups, angel investment, and some of the policy issues that face angel investors.

Trump victory sets off a tsunami of lobbying activity by companies

The Angel Capital Association worked over the Thanksgiving holiday to put together its wish list for President-elect Donald Trump. Its four-page letter was full of regulatory tweaks and legislative items that the niche group of wealthy investors hoped the new administration could deliver. The investor group also urged the nomination of two new Securities and Exchange Commission members, and it had a perfect candidate to suggest: Joe Wallin, a member of its public policy ­council. “We anticipate that the people on the transition team will be inundated with ideas and proposals as well as names,” said Linda Smith, vice president of the Angel Capital Association, whose members help finance fledgling companies. “We wanted to get on the radar screen.”

White House Lauds The American Angel Research Project--Still Time to Participate

The Angel Capital Association committed to publishing diversity data, and is conducting the first-ever study of the demographics of American angel investors, including how and why they make investment decisions, with research partner Wharton Entrepreneurship. The results of the study will be published this spring, along with best practices that can help connect angel investors with diverse entrepreneurs in diverse regions, which will be tracked and publicly reported over time.

How to Participate in Survey Highlighted by the White House

In the White House entrepreneurship initiative, the Angel Capital Association committed to publishing diversity data, and is conducting the first-ever study of the demographics of American angel investors, including how and why they make investment decisions, with research partner Wharton Entrepreneurship. The results of the study will be published this spring, along with best practices that can help connect angel investors with diverse entrepreneurs in diverse regions, which will be tracked and publicly reported over time.

Trump's vague plans could reverberate in tech

"Market turbulence is a concern," says Christopher Mirabile, chairman of Angel Capital Association, an association of more than 13,000 accredited angel investors and 240 angel investor groups based in Overland Park, Kan.

12 Angel Investor Tips For First-Time Entrepreneurs

I was speaking with Jim Connor of Sand Hill Angels in Silicon Valley and Catherine Mott of BlueTree Allied Angels in Pittsburgh and the subject of fundraising advice for first time entrepreneurs came up. I took the opportunity to jot down answers to 12 questions every fundraising entrepreneur should think through. Here’s an edited transcript of the discussion.

Angel investment trends with the Angel Capital Association’s Marianne Hudson

“The association was initially formed to enable angel groups to connect and share best practices,” Hudson explains. “Today, the association’s members include 13,000 accredited investors in 50 states and 5 Canadian provinces, who may or may not have an affiliation with an angel group, online investor platform or family office.”

Mid-America Angels and Women’s Capital Connection celebrate exit of portfolio company EyeVerify

In 2014, EyeVerify was nominated by MAA for the Angel Capital Association’s (ACA) Luis Villalobos Award, which honors the most innovative company recently financed by ACA member angel groups each year. EyeVerify won and Rush accepted that award along with MAA’s Managing Director, Rick Vaughn.

The Impact Of Angel Investors On Entrepreneurial Firms

Among the hidden heroes of America’s economy are angel investors – high net worth people who invest in innovative startups. These angels offer a combination of financial and intellectual capital to entrepreneurs through mentorship and providing connections to potential customers as well as other investors. Both kinds of capital help companies grow their business.

Portland investor gets high-profile national role

Portland investor Angela Jackson is joining the board of the Angel Capital Association.

Public Policy for Angel Investors, Part 1 (David Verrill)

We will address questions including: Can you talk about your experience at Hub Angels and how the group and investments are structured? Can you tell us the story of how you became involved with the ACA and ultimately became chairman? Today’s topic is public policy issues for angels… Can you start off by talking about why public policy issues are an important consideration for angel investors?

Bills would restore tax credit for angel investors

More than 20 states have some kind of tax credit program available to angel investors, according to estimates from the Overland Park, Kan.-based Angel Capital Association.

Anyone Can Invest in a Startup, But Should You?

In fact, according to the Angel Capital Association, the average angel investor in the United States allocates approximately 10% of their net worth to startups.

Who Is The American Angel?

Angel investors—accredited individuals who collectively support the American startup industry with some $24 billion of capital per year – maintain diversified portfolios that represent roughly 5 percent of total held assets, with median investments of $25,000 per deal. The Angel Capital Association (ACA) and Wharton Entrepreneurship released these and other early insights from the ongoing “The American Angel” survey, which is designed to provide the deepest research to date into the characteristics of angel investors. The survey is open for more angels to participate.

Survey: Average check from the 'American Angel' is $25,000

The survey by the Angel Capital Association and Wharton Entrepreneurship is ongoing, but the group has provided an update on findings thus far:

15 sources who can help you meet angel investors

According to the Angel Capital Association, only 2 percent of entrepreneurs are able to pry much-needed cash from the tight hands of angel investors, and less than a half of a percent raise money from venture capitalists, according to Price Waterhouse study.

Kevin Learned named to Angel Capital Association

Kevin Learned has been elected to the national board of the Angel Capital Association, effective July 1.

Today’s Changes to the Rules for JOBS Act

Marianne Hudson, Executive Director of the Angel Capital Association, officially expressed support for the HALOS Act. She explained: “Demo Days have been an important part of the entrepreneurial financing process for literally decades, often with lead sponsorship by federal, state and local government entities for the purpose of economic development … We are not aware of investor fraud issues connected to these events. Requiring verification of accredited investors for these events creates a new burden for participating entrepreneurs and makes investors less likely to invest in participating companies because they are concerned about the requirements of the SEC rule … Further it is important to understand the reasons that demo days should include unaccredited investors as attendees. Their education and economic development purposes might be even more important than connecting entrepreneurs to potential investors.”

What we need to boost local investment

At the 2016 Angel Capital Association Summit, investors pointed out key elements that can expand angel investing in Philly.

13th Summit Angel Capital Association: Fabrice Grinda shares his experiences with participants

The closing ceremony of the works of the 13th edition of the international summit of global investors thie Wednesday, May 13, 2016 in Philadelphia experienced the presences of one of the magnates in the field of finance namely Fabrice Grinda co-founder and co-general manager of OLX.

How angel investors might use new crowdfunding options

But will Philadelphia start-ups and local entrepreneurs raise big money through crowdfunding? If this past week's Angel Capital Association convention is any indication, probably not right away.

5 traits angel investors look for in startups

With over 700 investors attending, most startup founders would kill to be a fly in the wall at the 2016 Angel Capital Association’s Summit, being held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Monday to Wednesday.

Senate eyes change for ‘angel investors’

But backers of the bill believe investors are protected in demo days. Those who participate in the events “are generally part of what we call the startup ecosystem,” Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), told The Hill. “It doesn’t attract people walking off the street.”

Fund that helps launch startups ready to start third recruitment of investors

According to the Kansas City, Mo.-based Angel Capital Association, there are more than 200,000 angel investors in the U.S., and in 2014, they invested about $24 billion in more than 73,000 startups.

Growing Wings: How Angels are Widening the Investment Pool

More policymakers are learning how best to incentivize angel investments from those who know best: angels themselves. Next month sees the United State’s leading angel conference – the Angel Capital Association annual meeting – in Philadelphia, on May 9 to 11. If policymakers want to look at some fresh ideas for increasing access to early stage capital, I encourage them to join me there.

Beyond gut instinct: Wharton prof keen to explore known unknowns in angel investment

Although it usually takes a lot more than a cool-looking product to spur investors to back a company, research has shown that soft data like an attractive entrepreneur (provided they are men) accent and just a “gut feeling” can sway investors’ decisions. But it’s between hard data like a management team’s track record, business model and financials and the soft data that some useful insights could be gleaned. That’s the intent behind a new survey of angel investors between Wharton Entrepreneurship and the Angel Capital Association.

Wharton prof Laura Huang is researching the American angel investor

In partnership with the Angel Capital Association, Huang is conducting what she called the largest study of angel investors in the country. She hopes to create a profile of the angel, looking at age, gender, ethnicity and professional history. “We believe this study will help identify characteristics of angel investors that have never before been understood,” said ACA executive director Marianne Hudson in a statement.

What makes angel investors tick? This survey seeks answers

The survey is part of a partnership between Wharton Entrepreneurship and the Angel Capital Association. Rev1 Ventures’ John Huston Fund for Angel Professionalism is bankrolling the survey. Active, accredited investors can participate confidentially in the benchmark study at TheAmericanAngel.org. Wharton Entrepreneurship will administer and analyze the data.

The SEC could change the requirements for investing in startups, and that’s not good

Data from the Angel Capital Association shows why increasing the accredited investor thresholds would be so damaging to the startup economy. The ACA estimates that some 25 percent of its more than 12,000 members would lose accredited investor status and that this loss would be even more significant in areas outside of New York, Boston and California, where venture capital is already much harder to come by. One third of ACA members in these other regions would no longer qualify, amplifying the barriers startups outside the coasts already face in securing adequate seed funding from existing VCs and angel networks.

Survey Seeks Better Picture of America's Angel Investors

“We believe this study will help identify characteristics of angel investors that have never before been understood,” Marianne Hudson, executive director of ACA, said in a statement. “It is critical for entrepreneurs, economic development entities, private market makers, regulators, and legislators to understand who angel investors are, in order to drive effective policies to ensure a robust angel investing marketplace and for startups to better access equity capital.”

Study seeks an answer: Who are angel investors?

There are more than 200,000 angel investors in the U.S. who put more than $24 billion into startup companies last year, yet we know very little about them. Overland Park-based Angel Capital Association wants to change that, and is teaming up with Wharton Entrepreneurship to complete the first comprehensive study of angel investors. They want to learn who angel investors are, how they became angels and what factors influence their investing activity.

How 'pattern matching' by investors puts female entrepreneurs at a disadvantage

“What I’ve noticed is the pattern matching that goes on creates a constant cycle of the same kinds of investments,” she said. It also leads to “the same kinds of entrepreneurs” getting funded. “You’ll hear phrases like …. ‘he’s a CEO out of central casting,’” she told an audience at this year’s Angel Capital Association Northwest Regional Meeting on Wednesday. The ACA runs regionals for angel investors. Wednesday's event was hosted by the Seattle's Alliance of Angels.

Hey, startups: Here’s the best thing you can do to get ready for a possible downturn

That was the sage advice passed on by Pete Higgins, the former Microsoft executive and founding partner of Second Avenue Partners who was one of the speakers at Thursday’s Angel Capital Association’s Northwest Meeting in Seattle. (I moderated this panel at the event.)

The Best Angel Investors In New York

Angel investments can be perfect for businesses that are beyond the early stages and are in their growth stage. Many businesses receiving angel investments already have revenue and are growing at a healthy rate every month. Now that they're starting to get overwhelmed and they have a huge list of things they need to get done they need money to get to the next level. Learn more about angel investing through resources provided by Angel Capital Association.

Angel Investors Pumped $24 Billion Into Startups. Here's How to Get Your Share.

Angel investors are still the lifeblood of early-stage startups, despite the surge of activity in crowdfunding and an increasing early interest from venture capitalists. According to the Angel Capital Association, at least 300,000 people have made angel investments in the last two years, totaling $24 billion in the U.S. alone. These are all accredited investors who risk their own money.

Angel Capital Association Spring Angel Insights Webinars Series Announced

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Today the Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world’s leading professional association for angel investors, announced its spring Angel Insights Webinar Series lineup. The bi-monthly webinars offer angel investors critical insights and best practices by leveraging the expertise and experience of ACA’s 13,000+ angel investor members and other experts. Registration is open to ACA members as well as other investors, entrepreneurs and those who help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

Have Angels Abandoned the Two-Hour Drive Rule?

Marianne Hudson, Executive Director of the ACA, explains that geographically-dispersed angels with common interests — alumni of the same universities, female angels with a preference for backing female entrepreneurs, investors focused on particular industries or themes, like green technology or doing well by doing good — have increasingly banded together to co-invest.

Startup Investing and Entreprenership in 2016: Top 3 Trends

Angel Investing reporter Marianne Hudson wrote this about the selective industry trend that we believe will continue to expand into 2016..."Industry sectors will matter a lot, with some seeing tremendous growth and others not so much. Allan May, founder of Life Science Angels, provides a few examples. "Biotech investing is on fire," May says.

Lexington’s TriBlue Engineering takes first place in statewide pitch competition finals

The summit’s keynote speaker, John Huston, a founding member and former chairman of the nationwide Angel Capital Association, discussed how entrepreneurs can best pitch to angels. He also complimented the Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit, which provides qualified angels with tax credits for up to 50 percent of investments. That program will start taking applications for 2016 tax credits on Dec. 11.

A new way for (some) Rochester startups to get funds

More and more medical angel networks are popping up because it takes a special type of investor to help a medical company grow, said Marianne Hudson, executive director for Angel Capital Association. Hudson said an investor with a medical background understands that money needs to be dedicated to clinical trials, FDA approval and marketing to health care providers.

The Angel Capital Association is the leading professional and trade association supporting the success of angel investors in high-growth, early-stage ventures. They offer an online list of nationwide angel groups and accredited platforms by region.

The Angel Capital Association is the leading professional and trade association supporting the success of angel investors in high-growth, early-stage ventures. They offer an online list of nationwide angel groups and accredited platforms by region.

RetroSense Raises $6 million for Trials to Restore Vision to Those with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Later in April, RetroSense was honored as the most innovative company at the annual Angel Capital Association convention in San Diego, the largest annual gathering of angel investors in the world.

Beyond Banks: Alternative Funding for Startups

The Angel Capital Association is the leading professional and trade association supporting the success of angel investors in high-growth, early-stage ventures. They offer an online list of nationwide angel groups and accredited platforms by region.

RetroSense Raises $6 million for Trials to Restore Vision to Those with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Later in April, RetroSense was honored as the most innovative company at the annual Angel Capital Association convention in San Diego, the largest annual gathering of angel investors in the world.

When Angels Arrive

The Angel Capital Association views its insights conference as an important adjunct to the organization’s annual summit, which has gained acclaim as the world’s largest gathering of angel investors. While the summit “is the place to learn the A-Zs of angel investing,” the insights exchange takes a narrower focus, according to information from the association. “Attend the ACA Summit for the breadth, attend the Angel Insights Exchange for the depth,” the group recommended in its announcement of the November conference.

5 Things Angels Look for in an Investment Opportunity

Here are a few other resources to help you narrow you search: Angel Capital Association: This trade organization for angel groups lists members by state and accredited platforms. Angel List: This and other such platforms connect companies seeking funding and angel investors. You can also perform an online search for “angel groups in your state/area” or “angel groups investing in your business sector.” And ask your lawyer and accountant for their recommendations.

More Than Money: 4 Tips to Find the Right Investor for Your Startup

Larger organizations such as Angel Capital Association have chapters all over the U.S., along with an extensive database for entrepreneurs to peruse. Angels Den and AngelList provide other platforms that let new CEOs find and communicate with potential investors.

Convertible Notes Vs. Priced Equity Rounds: A New Debate Set To A Familiar Tune

The pros and cons of convertible debt vs. priced equity rounds is currently the subject of an intense debate. A recent survey of Angel Capital Association members published in Forbes (which was not a statistical sample) found the following:

New Orleans startup scene believes in angels

"Angels are always looking for good deals, and there's interest in Louisiana," said Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association. "There's a curiosity about New Orleans."

NO/LA Angel Network Selected to Host National Angel Capital Association Conference

NO/LA Angel Network (NO/LAAN), the fastest growing network in the world has officially been chosen to host the national Angel Capital Association’s Angel Insight Exchange, November 9-10.

Exclusive: Angel investing champions join forces with Willamette University

The ARI was founded in 2006 as part of the Angel Capital Association. Both groups were under the umbrella of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. When the groups spun out, ARI was established as a 501 c(3).

Vancouver is Now Startup City

Top three speakers? Toby from Shopify; Dhaman Rakhra (winner of the Hult prize, a global award for social entrepreneurs funded by the Clinton Foundation), and Marianne Hudson, who is the executive director of the Angel Capital Association from the States.

Largest Assembly of Angel Investors to be Held in Philly

The Angel Capital Association, a professional association focused on fueling the success of accredited angel investors and portfolio companies in high-growth, early-stage ventures, will hold its 2016 summit in the city. The ACA Summit will convene more than 700 angels and other startup experts from May 9 to 11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Forget the pope’s visit, 700 angels are coming to Philly in 2016

More than 700 angel investors will come to Philadelphia next spring for the 2016 Angel Capital Association (ACA) Summit. The ACA is calling it the biggest assembly of angel investors in the world. The ACA chose Philadelphia because of “the coordinated support of its angels, early stage investors and regional partners including Select Greater Philadelphia and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeast Pennsylvania,” according to the release.

President Obama Announces New Commitments from Investors, Companies, Universities, and Cities to Advance Inclusive Entrepreneurship at First-Ever White House Demo Day

The Angel Capital Association is committing to publishing diversity data and promoting best practices. Angel investors (i.e., individuals and small groups) invested an estimated $24 billion in 73,000 companies last year and are responsible for 90 percent of the equity investment that startups receive, but women and minorities make up less than 20 percent of both the pool of investors and the entrepreneurs that attract investment. As part of a new and sustained initiative to address this gap, the Angel Capital Association plans to grow the efficiency of this capital market for underserved populations by funding and conducting a first-ever study of the demographics of American angel investors and how and why they make investment decisions

Angel investors fill critical role for Oklahoma start-up companies

Angel investors are those critical investors who invest at the very earliest stage in start-ups. Recently, Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), came to Oklahoma to share the ACA’s perspective on current trends in angel investing.

Why funds have shunned general solicitation

US regulators lifted the ban on general solicitation by funds, but market uncertainty has stalled its use. Marianne Hudson from the Angel Capital Association addresses the leading concerns.

Packback announces $1.5 million in new funding, new 'Answers' product

The good news for early-stage investors is that the number of angel funding groups in the United States has exploded over the past couple of decades. According to the Angel Capital Association, a trade organization, there are now three times as many groups as there were in 1999.

Pitching life sciences investors: Keep it simple, stupid.

Here’s the problem with nerds: You ask them the time, they tell you the history of clock making. Or so says Richard Koffler, a life sciences investor with the California-based angel network Tech Coast Angels

How To Join An Angel Investor Group

The good news for early-stage investors is that the number of angel funding groups in the United States has exploded over the past couple of decades. According to the Angel Capital Association, a trade organization, there are now three times as many groups as there were in 1999.

With Angel Investors, The Devil's In The Details

Let’s look at the types of angels and then we’ll talk about who Joe was lunching with. Fellow Forbes contributor Marianne Hudson explains the different “levels” of angel investing. Angel networks, super angels and accredited angels typically have formalized, systematic approaches to taking meetings and pitches from entrepreneurs.

Women: The Next Wave of Angel Investors?

I recently returned from the Angel Capital Association’s annual summit in San Diego. In addition to a pre-conference workshop on angel investing that targeted women, there was a special networking reception and dinner for women one evening during the conference, as well as a session on increasing women’s participation in angel investing.

Seattle Roundup: Cyber Liability, Gravity Payments, Poachable, Angels

Susan Preston, tapped as managing partner last year for the new Seattle Angel Fund, was recognized by her peers with the Angel Capital Association’s Hans Severiens Award. It honors an individual “whose actions advance the role of angel investing, expand entrepreneurship and benefit the angel investing industry as a whole.” Preston’s other roles include general partner of the CalCEF Clean Energy Angel Fund, entrepreneurship fellow at the University of Washington’s MBA program, and leader of the Angel Resource Institute.

Wayne State Spinoff RetroSense Named Most Innovative Company at National Convention

Ann Arbor-based RetroSense Therapeutics LLC, a spinoff from Wayne State University, was honored Wednesday as the most innovative company at the annual Angel Capital Associationconvention in San Diego, the largest annual gathering of angel investors in the world.

What's the Future of Crowd Funding for Start-Ups?

Will crowd-funding websites revolutionize the way start-up companies raise money – allowing them to bypass traditional angel investors or venture capitalists? Or will big losses racked up by investors unaccustomed to the risk of putting money into start-ups spark tougher crowd-funding regulations that cripple the fledgling industry? Those questions sparked a testy exchange this week at the Angel Capital Association conference in San Diego.

Murphy Bill Would Create Tax Break For 'Angel' Investors

While the Angel Capital Association backs Murphy's bill, some consumer groups say it would unfairly give a handout to the rich. "Technology startups are swimming in money and their investors hardly need a subsidy," said Bartlett Collins Naylor, a financial policy advocate for Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group.

Angel Capital Association Announces Breaking News Live from the ACA Summit

Today the Angel Capital Association(ACA), the world's leading professional association for angel investors, announced breaking news live from the 2015 ACA Summit, where the world's largest gathering of angels is meeting to share angel investing tips, strategies and deal flow trends.

Angel tax credits slow to go after rule tweaks

MarketX Podcast: Interview with Marrianne Hudson, Angel Capital Association

Broker-Dealer Expands Crowdfunding Reach with New Partnership

Broker-dealer North Capital Private Securities adds crowdfunding site OneVest to its platform that syndicates private offerings for investors.

RetroSense One of 3 Finalists for Top National Angel Investor Award

Ann Arbor-based RetroSense Therapeutics LLC has been named as one of three finalists nationwide for the top award at next week’s annual convention of the Angel Capital Association in San Diego.

Startups Offer Unusual Reward for Investing

The Simple Agreement for Future Equity is “a bit of a gimmick,” said Christopher Mirabile, the managing director of Launchpad Venture Group and chairman-elect of the Angel Capital Association. The deals look attractive to startup founders because they streamline the fundraising process at the earliest stages of building a new company. But “as an investor, you’re taking all the early risk without any upside.”

Crowdfunding Redefined: The 2015 PENSCO Crowdfunding Report

To help investors navigate this emerging opportunity, we are excited to release a new report, Crowdfunding Redefined: The New Wave of Capital Raising in 2015. The report is based on unique insights that we gathered from the crowdfunding sites that participate in The PENSCO Marketplace ™. Who better to help explain the trends in this emerging landscape than the sites that are enabling these investment opportunities every day? The paper also includes perspective on equity crowdfunding from the Angel Capital Association, one of the preeminent angel investing industry organizations.

Little-known Dodd-Frank rule change may hurt start-ups

An adjustment in the definition of an accredited investor would greatly impact capital formation and job creation for today and tomorrow’s start-up companies. Currently start-up entrepreneurs raise capital by first exhausting their own personal savings, turning to family and friends before involving outside investors. The first outside investors are typically angel investors, accredited individual investors who come together to research investment opportunities, mentor entrepreneurs and ultimately invest in start up companies.

Tax breaks for investors in startups proposed by state Rep. Saylor

Mott, a former board chair of the Angel Capital Association, an industry group for the angel investor industry, said the state tax credit Saylor proposes would encourage more investors to put money into young companies in Pennsylvania. She saw it happen across the border in Ohio after that state launched its Technology Investment Tax Credit.

7 factors that get angel investors to write a check

There are more than 300,000 angels in the United States alone, investing more than $24 billion dollars a year, with companies getting on average $600,0000. That translates into roughly 40,000 of 600,000 startups getting funding from wealthy individuals, according to the Angel Capital Association.

Angel Groups Seek to Assure Entrepreneurs They Are Accredited

The ACA issues the certification to groups that are established with the purpose of early-stage investment; have a code of conduct; include processes to allow individual members to invest their own money or participate in the group’s investment decisions; regularly require members to self-certify that they are accredited and aware that angel investing is risky; and vet new members thoroughly.

7 factors that get angel investors to write a check

There are more than 300,000 angels in the United States alone, investing more than $24 billion dollars a year, with companies getting on average $600,0000. That translates into roughly 40,000 of 600,000 startups getting funding from wealthy individuals, according to the Angel Capital Association. Triangulating Census data on new company starts and research from the University of New Hampshire Center for Venture Research, it looks like 5 to 10 percent of startups get money from angels.

Angel Capital Association: How to Define an “Accredited Investor”

... a pragmatic presentation delivered by Jean Peters, representing the Angel Capital Association, how advocates maintaining the current wealth qualifiers but recommends anyone who is “sophisticated” to participate in a now segregated investment class. Definitely worth a review.

Angel investing shouldn't just be for Silicon Valley

Marianne Hudson, Executive Director of the Angel Capital Association, a trade organization that represents groups like Reeves', estimates that about 30% of her members would be shut out of angel investing if those minimums were raised. "A lot of angel groups would lose their members...In the end the real losers are the entrepreneurs that rely on angel capital to get started," she said.

Protecting Millionaires ‘Strains Logic & Reason’: SEC Commissioner

Jean Peters, a board member of the Angel Capital Association and managing director of the Golden Seeds Fund LP, noted that ACA believes the definition “should not be changed, as far as financial thresholds.” However, she said, ACA believes “sophistication is key,” and that adding a sophistication element to the definition would be “good.” She questioned, however, how such status could be verified. “Maybe a qualifying questionnaire?”

Angel investments and interest in Dallas rise

“Nationally, we’re definitely seeing a healthy growth over the last several years,” said Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, which has held angel summits for a decade. She expects that to continue.

Angel investors look to fund veteran-led startups

“Veterans have a unique advantage as entrepreneurs, and the goal of this event is to show just how valuable they are as business leaders to the investment community,” David Verrill, Chairman of the ACA said in a statement. “Our service men and women have been trained to remain calm under pressure and adapt quickly to changing environments. Combine these important attributes with the incredible economic opportunities veteran owned ventures are afforded, and it’s a recipe for a success from an investor’s perspective.”

Forbes highlights women angel funds, including Chattanooga's The JumpFund

Forbes.com contributor Marianne Hudson recently wrote about the increasing number of female angel investors and notes Chattanooga's The JumpFund as one of the groups contributing to the movement. Hudson highlights how women angel investors "are also earning serious cred from other investors," and explores how this happened and how to keep the momentum going.

Your Business Could Benefit From More Female Angel Investors

Still, the growing number of female angel investors has a ripple effect, says Hudson. More female angel investors means more potential investment dollars for all entrepreneurs. And the increasing visibility they are enjoying will likely encourage more women investors to get involved.

Regulatory Changes May Restrict Pool of Private Investors

Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, a trade group. Under proposed changes, she said, “the real losers would be the entrepreneurs” who count on angel funding.

Joan Siefert Rose: The Rising Influence of Angels

...national groups like the Angel Capital Association promote syndication by connecting groups of investors across wide geographic regions. A new wave of angels in North Carolina, many of them serial entrepreneurs with sophisticated networks of their own, are syndicating with groups from New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and other areas. Increasingly, in markets like the Research Triangle, angels are not only providing the seed-stage funding for startups, but also participating in follow-on rounds, often alongside VCs.

What makes an accredited investor?

Angel Capital Association executive director Marianne Hudson discusses what makes someone an qualified angel investor.

Jobs Act Update: New Deals on the Horizon

As part of the one-year anniversary of the general solicitation rules by the SEC, ACA’s Marianne Hudson participated in a webcast by The Deal on general solicitation on Tuesday September 23 at 1:00 pm Eastern. Speakers from The Deal and Pepper Hamilton law firm discussed many aspects of the JOBS Act, including crowdfunding, general solicitation, and rules to make IPOs easier.

Investors summit good for Midwest

Encouraging entrepreneurial business startups is desirable to cities for many reasons: it helps to attract and retain young professionals; it creates jobs; and it has a radiating effect on other businesses. It’s good for Columbus, then, to be hosting an annual meeting of leading “angel” investors from around North America today and Thursday, marking the first time members of the Angel Capital Association have held their fall leadership workshop in the Midwest.

Here’s why a national investors’ group chose Columbus for their annual workshop

ACA Executive Director Marianne Hudson touted more than just the community of angel investors. “We see a very nice supporting ecosystem for startups in Ohio,” she told me. “Excellent angels throughout the state, supportive organizations of entrepreneurs like TechColumbus, good accelerators, a major university like OSU.”

Omaha-based VC firm launches angel investor 'syndicate'

Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Kansas City-based Angel Capital Association, has watched as the number of startup companies has grown throughout the Midwest in recent years along with the volume of interested investors. She said the capital needs of growing companies have outpaced the money available from individual investors, however, so conglomerations of angel groups have become a necessity. Branching out into Web-based syndicates is a reflection of the Internet’s increasing influence, though Hudson and others don’t think syndicates will replace traditional angel groups or venture capital organizations.

Start-up investors, do you really know what you’re doing? Now you can find out.

The Kauffman Foundation, an entrepreneurship research and advocacy organization, on Tuesday launched a new online education tool designed to teach prospective and current investors the fundamental ins and outs of taking equity in early-stage companies. In addition, the tutorials are intended to help entrepreneurs prepare for the experience of working with individual backers.....Kauffman Foundation officials also worked with the Angel Capital Association, an industry group comprised of many of the country’s largeststart-up investor groups, to produce InvestorIQ. ACA and the Angel Resource Institute were both born out of initiatives started several years ago by the Kauffman Foundation.

ACA Summit 2014: Angel Impact on Entrepreneurial Success

The summit formally opened late in the afternoon, followed by an affinity dinner at the Columbian Foyer Hall. According to Marianne Hudson, ACA Executive Director, the summit was attended by more than 600 people from 30 countries and 44 American states. She wrote the summit highlights where she said, "I had a great time, learned a lot, and wish I got to meet many more people (since I was often working behind the scenes)."

Are you rich and sophisticated enough for private funds?

"The current definition works well for angel investors and the high growth startups they invest in, creating all of the net new jobs in the country, and without fraud," a spokesman for the Angel Capital Association said in an email statement. "An increase in the financial thresholds would reduce capital available for these startups and hurt the economy." (ACA estimates that nearly one-third of its current members wouldn't meet the new thresholds.)

.Wilmington startups looking for a few good ‘angels’

“An angel is a high net-worth individual who invests his or her own money in start-up companies in exchange for an equity share of the businesses,” defines the Angel Capital Association, a resource group for accredited investors.

Do You See Yourself as a Sophisticated Investor?

And Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association which helps individuals develop best practices for investing in new businesses, estimates that 28% of her organization's 12,000 members would no longer qualify if the income and wealth standards were raised to take into account the approximate rate of inflation since 1982 to $400,000 and $2.5 million, respectively. "That would pull back a lot of capital from startups," she says.

Who Should Be Deemed 'Sophisticated' Enough to Be an Investor?

The Angel Capital Association wants the SEC to add another category of certification for those potential investors who are sophisticated enough to make their own reasonable financial decisions, even if they don’t meet the income thresholds. “But it is important that these sophisticated measures help increase the pool of accredited investors,” said Marianne Hudson, the executive director of the ACA. “The SEC could develop a questionnaire that easily allows individuals to include relevant information about their sophistication, from experience as an entrepreneur or executive with profit and loss responsibility, an MBA or a degree in finance or accounting, services on a board of directors of a for-profit entity, or membership in an established angel group, among others.”

Investing like an angel

Angel Capital Association executive director Marianne Hudson interview about angel investing on Risk & Reward with Dierdre Bolton.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy pushes for ‘angel’ tax credits

Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, said studies in states where angel investor tax credits are already at work actually benefit a government’s finances by increased returns in the form of employment taxes paid by companies that benefited from these programs

Changes to “Accredited Investor” Definition Could Clip the Wings of Angel Investors

We can speculate as much as we want but we will just have to wait until the end of July to see if the SEC makes the right choice. In the interim, the Angel Capital Association (ACA) is recommending that all angel investors and other potential investors in private ACA Logo placements to contact the SEC as soon as possible to advocate against any more restrictive changes to the “accredited investor” definition (and to show support for changes which would loosen the current standards. In this regard, the ACA has provided an easily adaptable letter and email template on its website.

Angel-investor group fears SEC will change accreditation rules and shrink angel ranks

"This is a time when America needs to unleash innovation and create exactly the kind of jobs that high-growth startups provide," argues Rosen, who until a few months ago chaired the ACA public policy committtee . "Angels fund most of these high-growth startups, investing well over $20-billion per year." "We are not financial institutions in New York or Boston, we are individuals in every major city and town in the U.S. who invest not only our money, but also our knowledge and experience, to help these high-growth startups get off the ground and flourish," wrote Rosen, who is CEO and president of Dan Rosen & Associates, a technology investment and advisory firm

Do you have what it takes to invest in startups?

In selecting a group to join, first make sure it belongs to its national federation of professional angel groups. In the United States, that would be the Angel Capital Association (ACA); in Canada, the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO). Then it’s important to understand what makes the experience of working with a group different from being an individual angel or investing in a professional venture fund.

Proposed rules would clip wings of Angel investors

A survey of the Angel Capital Association’s members last January found that more than 25 percent of the organization’s 12,000 plus members would lose accredited investor status if net worth and income thresholds were raised. . . The Angel Capital Association is providing letter templates at http://www.angelcapitalassociation.org/aca-public-policy-protect-angel-funding/. It will be far less effective if we sit on the sidelines until the SEC writes rule changes.

Budding Entrepreneurs And Advocates Fear SEC Revision Could Cut Ranks Of Investors

The other argument for the SEC’s push for educated investors, is that it can reduce people falling for fraudulent offerings. Clay Rankin of the North Coast Angel Fund, disagrees with that. “Frankly, I don’t think regulations in and of themselves are going to solve the fraud problem,” says Rankin. “And all you have to do is look at what happened with the Bernie Madoff scandal. You had a lot of very high, net-worth individuals backing Bernie Madoff. Fraud is gonna happen.” Nationally, the Angel Capital Association has campaigned against the revision. The group claims that up to a fourth of its members may be struck from its rosters if the definition is approved.

Unease Mounts Over New Rules for Angel Investing

If those numbers were adopted, some 60% of current angel investors would not qualify as accredited investors, says Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, a trade group. “We’re worried,” she says. Angels investors put $24.8 billion in about 71,000 early-stage companies in 2013, according to the Center for Venture Research at the University of New Hampshire.

Top of Mind's 5 Must-Read Articles in Entrepreneurship

The ACA initiative is meant to light a fire within the startup world to encourage regulators to keep the definition of who qualifies as an accredited angel investor as is. As an investment group that provided funding to nearly 71,000 early-stage companies last year (VCs typically invest in about 3,000 companies per year to give you some context), the ACA rightfully claims that messing with the definition will hamper entrepreneurs' abilities to start companies and create jobs. It is believed that if the impending changes to the definition take place, nearly 60 percent of angel investors would be eliminated.

Urgent Call to Action: SEC Definition Change Could Hobble Angel Investment

The SEC and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimate that under the “inflation” provisions net worth requirements could escalate to $2.5 million and annual income requirements could increase to about $450,000. They further estimate that if the thresholds are raised, 60 percent of all accredited angel investors could no longer qualify to make angel investments. The Angel Capital Association (ACA) surveyed members and learned that more than 25 percent of its 12,000 plus members would lose accredited investor status if net worth and income thresholds were raised.

Companies might have to aim higher to lure angel investors

Federal regulators haven't said what changes are on the table. But some people think they could more than double the income and net worth requirements, based on numbers that appeared in an early version of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill. Those higher standards would exclude 25% of the 12,000 angel investors who belong to the Angel Capital Association, according to a survey conducted in January by the Kansas City-based group, which is campaigning against raising the standards.

St. Louis angel groups say proposed investor rules could hurt them

...For our startup economy, decreasing the pool of accredited investors would have a profoundly negative impact on angel investing and the prospects for high-potential startups throughout America, but especially in areas that are not endowed with large numbers of very rich people. It could hurt angel groups in St. Louis, but it could kill off angel groups outside of the big cities, and that’s nationally where angel groups are forming the fastest.” The Angel Capital Association said the increase in financial requirements would cut the number of qualified investors by 60 percent.

Arch Grants winners include more women-led startups

Nationwide, roughly 10 angel networks focus on funding woman-owned companies or have women angel members, according to Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association.

Angels fear new standards could slash investor ranks

“It would hurt people participating in our group,” said Catherine Mott, past ACA chair and president/CEO of BlueTree Capital Group, an angel network operating in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. It also has an arm in Erie. BlueTree recently closed on $10.2 million toward a $30 million fund to invest in young IT and life sciences companies.

SEC may change the rules on who can be an angel investor, and it wouldn’t be good for startups

“Imposing higher financial limits on who may qualify as accredited would be devastating to angel investing, the startup economy, and job growth that depend on it,” says ACA chairman David Verrill in a statement Tuesday. But how could financial thresholds set in the Reagan Era still be valid today? I asked ACA executive director Marianne Hudson that question, and she answered me with another question: “How do you argue that that number was right to begin with?”

Angel Capital Association Takes Action to Avoid Threat to Startup Funding

“Protecting this important investment class is critical to preserving the economic fuel it provides to startups and job creation,” said Marianne Hudson, ACA’s executive director. “If changes proposed by `investor protection’ organizations are enacted by the SEC, nearly 60 percent of angel investors would be eliminated.”

SEC may make it harder for angels to get their wings

Such an adjustment, the Angel Capital Association believes, would eliminate “about 60 percent of current accredited investors.” Thus, a lot of potential seed money for startups would go away, the ACA believes. “Imposing higher financial limits on who may qualify as accredited would be devastating to angel investing, the startup economy, and job growth that depend on it,” says ACA chairman David Verrill in a statement Tuesday.

More than half of angel investors could be barred by proposed SEC rule

The SEC has indicated it may be open to alternative criteria, based on factors including membership in an angel group, employment history, relevant investment experience, total liquid assets, or by limiting the percentage of net worth that could be invested in any one offering. "We appreciate the importance of regulation to protect investors from fraud, however regulations need to be focused in areas with a proven need for added oversight," Marianne Hudson, the angel group's executive director, said in a press release.

SEC may make it harder for angels to get their wings

But how could financial thresholds set in the Reagan Era still be valid today? I asked ACA executive director Marianne Hudson that question, and she answered me with another question: “How do you argue that that number was right to begin with?” The feds shouldn’t worry so much about angels being defrauded anyway, she says. “In terms of angel investments we’re just not seeing that much fraud.” Hudson says that the state agencies that track investment fraud often report cases of people being duped in real estate or energy-related investment schemes, but seldom report cases where angel investors were defrauded by startups.

More than half of angel investors could be barred by proposed SEC rule

The SEC has indicated it may be open to alternative criteria, based on factors including membership in an angel group, employment history, relevant investment experience, total liquid assets, or by limiting the percentage of net worth that could be invested in any one offering. "We appreciate the importance of regulation to protect investors from fraud, however regulations need to be focused in areas with a proven need for added oversight," Marianne Hudson, the angel group's executive director, said in a press release.

If You Can't Wait for VCs, Try Crowdfunding Angel Investments

That's not to say it will never gain prestige--or that crowdfunding platforms can't be a boon to fledgling companies like Quibb. "Thus far, it looks as if the platforms are funding companies in early stages," says David Verrill, the founder and managing director of Boston-based investment group Hub Angels. "And oftentimes, those companies have not made enough progress to get a venture capitalist's attention." In this way, they can serve an important need, helping to bridge what he calls the startup "valley of death."

Equity Crowdfunding: Why the SEC’s Title III Foot-Dragging Is a Blessing in Disguise

According to a 2012 report from the Angel Capital Association, there are 8.7 million total angel investors in the United States. Out of those, 265,000 are active in the investing sphere -- roughly, three percent. The question crowdfunding platforms and startup entrepreneurs should be asking themselves, is how can we get the other 97 percent engaged? Again, another gap to close and opportunity to innovate.

Bridging the funding gap

“I’ve been amazed at how much excitement there is in the market,” said Mike Eckert, a successful entrepreneur and vice chairman of the national Angel Capital Association, who 10 months ago relocated to New Orleans from Atlanta. A former CEO of The Weather Channel and founder of a successful digital media distribution company, Eckert said the explosion of entrepreneurial activity in New Orleans drew him to the city.

Incline woman appointed to angel investor board

Linda Lorraine Smith, a member of Incline Village-based angel investor group Sierra Angels, was elected to the Angel Capital Association’s national board of directors March 26. “Linda has extensive experience in national and state public policy issues that affect entrepreneurs and investors alike,” ACA executive director Marianne Hudson said in a statement.

Survey: Funding struggles hinder nearly half of startups

Dozens of regional and national groups help connect entrepreneurs with angel investors — rich businesspeople who pump their own money into startups…. To learn more about angel investing, visit the website of the Angel Capital Association.

Angel Capital Association elects Kevin Laws and Linda Lorraine Smith as directors

The Angel Capital Association (ACA), the North American trade association of accredited investors that invest in high-growth early-stage ventures, has elected Kevin Laws, chief operating officer of AngelList (San Francisco), and Linda Lorraine Smith, member of Sierra Angels (Incline Village, Nev.), to its Board of Directors.

Investing in Dreams: Northwest Programs Educate New Angels

These new efforts are helping to meet a growing demand for education about angel investing, driven by media coverage, awareness of the JOBS Act and crowd-funding platforms like Kickstarter, and shows like Shark Tank, says Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, a national trade group with 12,000 members.

Startup Nation - Full Show - April 5, 2014

ACA Executive Director Marianne Hudson answers questions about how angels work, trends and statistics, and how entrepreneuers should approach angel investors.

Zipcar's first backer: 'Entrepreneurs are fun'

Recently, Hammond won an award from the Angel Capital Association for her work, which has included significant achievements in the ed-tech sector. Hammond said she's learned a few things in her experience as an angel investor. Here's a list of Hammond's five lessons that she's learned in the angel investment world:

Accredited Investor Verification Under Rule 506(C)

Bill Carleton has a good post regarding the recent comments from Keith Higgins, the Director of the Division of Corporation Finance, who spoke at the 2014 Angel Capital Association Summit. Higgins discussed the SEC’s principles-based approach with respect to meeting the requirements of new Rule 506(c).

Congress looks to angels to revive economy

David L. Verill, founder of Hub Angels Investment Group in Boston and chairman of the Angel Capital Association, says that with successful entrepreneurs-turned-investors, that money will nearly always be funneled right back into the economy. Citing talks with other angel investors, he believes most would “plow the savings they get from the tax credit right back into another company.”

Could a $1M crowdfunding raise cost $200,000?

“(Crowdfunding) will require substantial disclosures,” Christopher Mirabile, managing director of Boston’s Launchpad Venture Group, said during the Angel Capital Association Summit in Washington D.C. “And it’s a tough way to raise a limited amount of capital.”

EyeVerify wins innovation award from Angel Capital Association

EyeVerify last week won the Angel Capital Association's 2014 Luis Villalobos Award, which recognizes the most ingenious and innovative idea recently financed by angel groups that are ACA members. Winners are chosen based on innovation, creativity and ingenuity of their product, service or solution and their ability to clearly communicate the problem it addresses.

A Tale of Two Startups: Tech Entrepreneurship Grows Up

Founding a startup is also easier and less expensive than ever as services like cloud computing, social networks and Web design platforms help entrepreneurs build a company and advertise it on the cheap and on their own, says Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Kansas City-based Angel Capital Association, a trade group for early stage investors.

Tweets Could Jeopardize Private Deals

Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, argued on the sidelines of the conference, which was held by the Angel Capital Association, that the disqualification provision is hugely problematic. She said startup companies would like to see some sort of ability to appeal a disqualification before a firm is prohibited from raising capital for 12 months.

Keynote Address At The 2014 Angel Capital Association Summit, Keith F. Higgins, Director, SEC Division Of Corporation Finance, Washington, D.C., March 28, 2014

For angel investors, the changes resulting from these rulemakings present both new opportunities and new obligations. In the interest of time, I would like to focus today on three items on the Commission’s recent agenda that are of particular importance to angels: the elimination of the prohibition against general solicitation and general advertising in Rule 506 offerings, the review of the accredited investor definition mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, and the changes to the existing Regulation A exemption to permit offerings of up to $50 million.

Keith Higgins Talks JOBS Act in Speech to Angel Capital Association

Higgins, who has been in the thick of rulemaking with the JOBS Act and correspondingly all types of crowdfunding, comments on the legislation and specifically addresses, general solicitation and Regulation A or Title IV of the JOBS Act.

Report: Angel investment activity on the rise

The report release comes as the Angel Capital Association hosts a summit for investors through Friday at the Capital Hilton. The Kansas City, Mo.-based group calls itself "the world's leading professional association for angel investors. Its meeting is headlined: " Angel Impact: Entrepreneurial and Economic Success."

SEC rule changes cause ‘confusion’ for angels

“I think there’s a lot of confusion so far about the new regulations and people are doing things different ways. Many are relying on legal counseling,” said Angel Capital Association Executive Director Marianne Hudson. “We’ve heard some of the angels have stepped back and others said they’re just not going to invest in deals that are publicly advertised. Having the entrepreneurs or a third party see all of their financial documents doesn’t go over well with most angel investors.”

For the Youngest Startups, No Billions

Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association, a trade group of early-stage investors, says it is much easier to launch a technology startup today, thanks to the Internet, cloud-based software and cheaper hardware: "The cost of getting off the ground is getting lower, but that also means there is simply less value there," she said.

Missouri Contemplates Tax Breaks for Angel Investors

… Marianne Hudson, the Executive Director of Angel Capital Association, said Wisconsin saw strong growth after giving tax credits to angel investors. She said about half the states offer the credits. "It's an important incentive for high-quality investment," she said.

World’s Largest Gathering of Angel Investors to Converge This Month on Washington, DC

Dramatic changes in angel investing mean both threats and opportunities for the angel investment community and the tens of thousands of entrepreneurs they support, according to the Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world's leading professional association for angel investors. The global angel investing community will debate and assess this new environment at the 2014 ACA Summit.

7 factors that get angel investors to write a check

There are more than 300,000 angels in the United States alone, investing more than $24 billion dollars a year, with companies getting on average $600,0000. That translates into roughly 40,000 of 600,000 startups getting funding from wealthy individuals, according to the Angel Capital Association.

Angel Capital Association Opens Doors to Individual Accredited Investors Seeking Deal Flow and Best Practices by Offering Reduced Fees to Attend 2014 ACA Summit

"At no time in angel investment history has it been more important for individual investors to join ACA," said David Verrill, chairman of ACA's board of directors. "With the countless new ways to invest, and more angels entering the startup market, we encourage individual investors to join other angels to help increase investment success. ACA members benefit from sharing the experience, best practices, and intellectual know-how of other sophisticated investors that enables finding, vetting and investing in the best deals."

Angel Capital Association Opens Doors to Individual Accredited Investors

… "At no time in angel investment history has it been more important for individual investors to join ACA," said David Verrill, chairman of ACA's board of directors.

Angel Capital Association and EarlyIQ, Inc. Announce Marketing Partnership

"We've been working with EarlyIQ for the past year and are pleased to deepen our relationship," said ACA Executive Director Marianne Hudson. "As confirmed by industry studies, a strong due diligence process is an excellent way to increase positive ROI for angel investing. EarlyIQ can play a helpful role in the process."

Colorado Legislators Aim to Reward Angel Investors with Tax Credit

… According to Angel Capital Association executive director Marianne Hudson, tax breaks for angel investors are increasingly popular across the country. About half the states have some form of incentive program, she said.

OTAF Member Elected Angel Capital Association Treasurer

“Parker has been doing great work on the ACA Membership Committee and we appreciate having such a seasoned financial professional take on the role of treasurer as well,” said David Verrill, ACA chairman.

Tech Angels Cross the $1 Billion Mark in 2013

…“I think it’s about the economy and the economy continued to improve,” said Marianne Hudson, Executive Director of the Angel Capital Association, a trade group for early-stage investors. “The economy felt better from all stages in 2013 than in 2012 and that also meant that angels had more money to spend and invest.”

Tech Angels Cross the $1 Billion Mark in 2013

…“I think it’s about the economy and the economy continued to improve,” said Marianne Hudson, Executive Director of the Angel Capital Association, a trade group for early-stage investors. “The economy felt better from all stages in 2013 than in 2012 and that also meant that angels had more money to spend and invest.”

Indiana Now Has an Official Angel Investors' Lobby. Say Hello to AAI-Startup Central

...The AAI takes its cue in some ways from the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a Kansas-headquarterd entity that serves as the nodal trade association of angel groups and private investors in the US.

Video: How to become an Angel investor

From the best way to hunt for a coachable entrepreneur to the background needed to get started as an angel, a panel of experts including: Brian Cohen: Chairman, New York Angels and author, "What Every Angel Investor Wants You to Know" Marianne Hudson: Executive Director, Angel Capital Association Dave Berkus: President, Berkus Technology Ventures answer reader questions on the topic in this recent interactive video interview moderated by The Wall Street Journal's Small Business Assitant Editor Sarah E. Needleman

What You Need to Know to Become an Angel Investor

It's easier than ever to make the leap. But also to make a big mistake. ACA members Brian Cohen, chairman of New York Angels, an angel-investor group and Dave Berkus, an angel investor for more than 20 years share their insights…

Could You be an Angel Investor?

How to earn your wings providing seed money to a worthy upstart. You can further minimize risk by joining a network that shares information and syndicates deals, says Jean Peters, a managing director with Golden Seeds, an angel consortium that focuses on women-run investments and a board member of the Angel Capital Association in Overland Park, Kan.

Angels Lead Crowd Investors Through Syndicate Funding

This is what I want to see: The likes of Angel Capital Association (ACA) and European Business Angel Network (EBAN) embracing and starting to take a proactive role in the new ecosystem where deal flows are coming in quicker and proof of concept brings in regular people investing alongside the angels.