By: Warren Spiwak, IBTX Partner

ACA Affinity Partner IBTX recognizes the risk that angels and startups face.  Now during these unique and extremely challenging times, these risks are more complex then ever before.  IBTX Partner Warren Spiwak recently sat down with ACA to discuss what angels need to be aware of and what the IBTX team of dedicated risk management professionals can do to create innovative solutions to fit the unique needs of the startup ecosystem. 

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. 

By: Robert Weber, Managing Partner of Great North Ventures, an Upper Midwest Venture Fund

Angel investors and advisors, have you checked in with your tax advisor lately? If not, may I suggest a good reason to do that would be to discuss Section 1202 of the U.S. Tax Code.

By: Pat Gouhin, Chief Executive Officer

The Angel Capital Association’s continued advocacy toward harmonizing and simplifying the existing framework to improve capital raising pathways and expand investment opportunities has yielded successful results for U.S. investors. 

By: Pat Gouhin, Chief Executive Officer

After ACA’s multi-pronged, multi-year advocacy for amendment to the “accredited investor” definition, we are pleased to report we’ve met with success. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced yesterday that the definition of an “accredited investor” has preserved the existing income thresholds and has been expanded to provide more access to private equity by allowing investors to qualify based upon new criteria. 

By: Pat Gouhin, Chief Executive Officer

One of the fundamentals pillars of the Angel Capital Association is protecting and advocating for the rights of angel investors and the entrepreneurs they support. 

Join ACA on Wednesday, September 9, for a special two-part webinar to join subject matter experts from Assure, Carney Badley Spellman, and GrayRobinson as they discuss the current legislative environment as it relates to pending legislation on beneficial ownership and blue sky fees. 

By: Chris McCannell, Senior Government Affairs Consultant at GrayRobinson

GrayRobinson has created a side-by-side comparison of what is included in the Senate Republican introduced HEALS Act versus the House passed HEROES Act for easier understanding of what is included in each. 

By: Sarah Dickey, ACA Membership Director

Earlier this week the Clean Energy Venture Group (CEVG) and E8 announced a partnership for national climate tech angel investing with the goal to achieve greater efficiencies and impact.  This significant initiative to mitigate the threat of climate change and commitment to innovation is aiming to fill a void in the climate tech sector.  Jean-Noel Poirier, CEVG partner and Executive Managing Director, sat down with ACA to share even more about this new partnership and how interested angels can get involved: