Angel Insights Blog

By: Pat Gouhin, Chief Executive Officer

The Angel Capital Association cares deeply about the health and well-being of our community. ACA understands the coronavirus outbreak is an evolving situation and we are aware of how the uncertainty affects your decision to participate in ACA and Angel Group activities. We are monitoring the coronavirus impact and following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local health organizations. We are empathetic to those already touched by the impact of coronavirus, as well as for all the other stakeholders that share the responsibility of demonstrating effective judgment and strong leadership during these tumultuous times. 

While Angel Groups operate independently of ACA, we also understand they are modifying plans and conducting operations with alternative scenarios coming in to play.  It is always best practice to consider the smart practices of those groups in your neighboring vicinity and region, and we encourage our group leaders to do just that.  Share what they have learned during this unique time and apply these lessons accordingly while communicating effectively with your members.

While we continue to analyze all options and alternatives in the delivery of our valued products and services in support of your work as educated investors, we want you to know that should any changes to the ACA schedule or an offering occur, we will update registrants via email and ACA social channels, and post cancellation information to specific events on our website. We have relaxed our refund policy to provide flexibility to you, our valued members and customers, but we will also be looking to provide alternative formats for delivery and/or timing of future events. We will continue to monitor and reassess future event plans on an ongoing basis as the situation changes. If you have already registered for an upcoming event, we will communicate directly with you regarding any changes. 

The health and well-being of attendees and staff is our top priority. ACA is using the following criteria to inform its decision to hold or cancel an event:

• The impact on the health and well-being of attendees
• Event size
• Event location
• Cancellation rate of speakers, attendees, and partners
• Compliance with state and federal guidelines for meetings and large gatherings
• Observance and adherence of state emergency declarations and modified state laws or regulations

For events that will be held, ACA plans to:

• Follow CDC and WHO guidelines
• Work with local agencies to safeguard attendee health
• Ensure the venue follows deep cleaning procedures, especially for "high touch" areas 
• Have plans in place with local health providers in case an attendee becomes ill

We encourage everyone to follow the coronavirus safety guidelines set out by the WHO and CDC.

Our best wishes are with all the members of the angel investment community around the world as we tackle this global challenge together.  Thank you for your ongoing support in making the Angel Capital Association a valuable resource to the startup ecosystem.