By: Pat Gouhin, Chief Executive Officer

As the fiscal year draws to a close, we are taking a moment to celebrate our accomplishments in these unprecedented times – and we’re charting a course to create a powerful future. 

By: Adam Winter, Chief Technology Officer at Clarus R+D, Ohio TechAngel Funds

We all know starting a business or new offering is hard. But starting it just before, or during a global pandemic and navigating it without a historical reference for guidance, is even harder. Fortunately, there is a tax credit solution for those who started a new product, service, or business after February 15, 2020, to help alleviate the financial burden associated with lost revenue or shutdowns due to COVID-19. Eligible startups may qualify for tax credits as part of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) Startup Recovery provision. 

Chiara Renella-Brooks, ACA Partnership Director

Incredible Companies Built by Women Highlighted During the Innovation Funders Showcase Deeper Dive 

By: Sarah Dickey, ACA Membership Director

The prestigious Luis Villalobos Award, recognizing the most ingenious and innovative ideas recently financed by members of the Angel Capital Association, was recently awarded to two ACA member-funded companies disrupting their fields.

By: Sarah Dickey, ACA Membership Director

Boston-Area Angels Hambleton Lord and Christopher Mirabile Receive Hans Severiens Award for Individual Impact in Advancing the Field of Angel Investing. 

By: Sarah Dickey, ACA Membership Director

The programming team for ACA 2021 - The Summit of Angel Investing is full of experienced, respected angel investors and ecosystem providers, and they are hard at work creating a virtual experience that will change the way you think about angel investing. 

By: Amy Duncan, Fund Manager - San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC) III

The number of accredited angel investors in the U.S. has held steady at around 300,000 for the last ten years. Based on the definition of an accredited angel of a net worth of $1 million or more, the potential number of angel investors could be up to four million. As angels are typically characterized as making individual investments between $25,000-500,000 in early-stage companies, it’s likely that many who are qualified have a lower risk appetite. 

By: Dror Futter, Legal and Business Adviser to Startups, Venture Capital Firms and Technology Companies

The SEC announced a series of amendments (likely to be effective early next year) to the rules governing private offering exemptions – by far the most frequent path for venture fundraising.  The amendments retain the same “menu” of exemptions but make incremental improvements. For the early stage community, the amendments include a very useful provision that excludes “Demo Days” from being considered general solicitations provided certain conditions are met. 

By: Russ Krajec, CEO of BlueIron

Due diligence is essential for any business deal, and IP due diligence is shockingly left out of the equation for most angel investors and venture capital investors. 

By: Nicholas McKinley, CEO of Verafī

Verafī, ACA’s new Affinity Partner, has a unique background that generates the knowledge and experience to assist angels in completing the valuable due diligence needed to ensure confidence in personal and investment decisions.