There are a number of ways to meet qualified angel investors. In many cases entrepreneurs can utilize their existing network of friends and family to access people with interest in funding the new enterprise. Vigorous networking and using tools such as LinkedIn can be very helpful to identify potentially interested... more

There are a number of ways to meet qualified angel investors. In many cases entrepreneurs can utilize their existing network of friends and family to access people with interest in funding the new enterprise. Vigorous networking and using tools such as LinkedIn can be very helpful to identify potentially interested investors. The advantage of this approach for both the entrepreneur and the investor is that working with people that they know or who are friends of friends can simplify the mutual due diligence process that is necessary for a successful investment. Entrepreneurs can also use the Internet to research established angels or angel groups in their area. Angel groups generally meet regularly and have processes in place to screen potential investments. Some of the larger groups even have staff that take on much of the work of screening and doing due diligence on new opportunities. Entrepreneurs should research angel groups carefully, and make sure that their proposal fits the group and the criteria that it has established. For example, a life sciences entrepreneur shouldn’t pursue applying to an angel group whose website states that it invests only in high tech businesses. The Bay Area has a large community of angel investor groups, including many that invest in life sciences ventures. Angel groups that may be appropriate for life sciences entrepreneurs in the Bay Area include: • Life Science Angels • U.S. Angel Investors • Keiretsu Forum • Bay Area Startup Network • Investor’s Circle • The Angel’s Forum • Isabella Capital Entrepreneurs should also make use of BayBio’s Expert’s Network. Network volunteers can guide entrepreneurs through the development process, including seed and startup funding rounds.
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