It’s that time once again to reflect on the prior year and make some resolutions for the next. In last year’s post, I suggested that you:
Here are a few of my suggested resolutions for 2017: Continue reading
It’s that time once again to reflect on the prior year and make some resolutions for the next. In last year’s post, I suggested that you develop your own investment strategy, take a closer look at the convertible notes in your portfolio and add some interesting reads to your list. Here are a few of my suggested resolutions for 2016: Continue reading
Posted in Accelerators, Angel Groups, Angel Investing, Early Stage Investing, Golden Seeds, New York Angels, Uncategorized, Wharton Alumni Angel Network, Wharton School
Tagged Angel Investing, Angel Investor, Founder Institute, GenHERation, Golden Seeds, Katlyn Grasso, Mentorship, New York Angels, Portfolio Company, Wharton Entrepreneurship, Wharton Venture Awards, Women Angels
Another year has passed and it’s time to think about resolutions for the New Year. As an angel investor, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and then turn your thoughts forward to investment opportunities in 2015. In last year’s New Year’s post, I suggested that you think about knowing your co-investors, getting your investment dox in order and looking at the world through the lens of an entrepreneur. Continue reading
Posted in Accelerators, Angel Groups, Angel Investing, Convertible Notes, Golden Seeds, Opinion, Uncategorized, Wharton School
Tagged Alex Wilmerding, Angel Investing, Angel Investor, Basil Peters, Brian S Cohen, David Rose, Golden Seeds, Jonah Berger, New York Angels, Term Sheets, Wharton School, Women Angels
Someone asked me recently what I enjoyed the most about being an angel investor and I responded that it was like “brain fuel”. Having the chance to learn about so many creative approaches to solving complex problems and interfacing with passionate and driven entrepreneurs, both young and old, is one of the most fun and intellectually stimulating experiences. Also being part of Golden Seeds, an active and engaged angel group, provides another avenue for obtaining this precious “brain fuel” as our members bring such a wealth of diverse expertise and perspective to the process of evaluating early stage companies. Whether or not a particular investment opportunity is one that I chose to invest in, I always come away having learned something new and interesting and looking at a problem differently. Continue reading
Yes, it’s that time of year once again when we think about resolutions for the New Year. In last year’s New Year’s post, I suggested that you think about the composition of your investment portfolio, taking into consideration the amount you want to commit to this sector overall as well as the diversification goals that make the most sense for you.
Here are my three tips for 2014:
Know your co-investors:
If the three most important criteria in real estate are location, location, location, then the top three for angel investing would be alignment, alignment, alignment. Not only is it important for investors and portfolio company CEOs to have alignment in terms of their vision for the company, it is just as critical for the co-investors to be aligned. When the business needs to shift direction, there is a follow-on round required, or an exit on the table, having conflicting objectives among your co-investors can be quite problematic. The advent of funding platforms has made knowing who else is in the deal somewhat more challenging. Entrepreneurs will oftentimes do some due diligence on potential angels, I would suggest you do the same on potential co-investors.
Get your investment dox in order:
Whether there is a follow-on round contemplated or a potential exit on the table, it is also very important that you know both your rights and your obligations as an investor. Where did you file those stock certificates? Do you have pre-emptive rights? Know your options and obligations before a follow-on round or a potential exit.
Look at the world through the lens of an entrepreneur:
Whether it’s negotiating a term sheet or evaluating a major strategic shift, it is always helpful to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. When I review a term sheet for a potential investment, first I read it as an investor, then I read it as though I am the CEO receiving the term sheet. I also enjoy reading books and blogs directed at entrepreneurs. Here are a few of my picks:
If you have a great resource, let me know in the comment section below!
Have a very Happy New Year!
Posted in Accelerators, Angel Groups, Angel Investing, CrowdFunding, Golden Seeds, Opinion, Term Sheets, Uncategorized
Tagged Alley Watch, Angel Capital Association, Angel Investing, Angel Investor, Brad Feld, Brian S Cohen, Co-investors, Exit, Follow-on Rounds, Golden Seeds, Investment Dox, New York Angels, New York City, Startups, Women in Angel Investing, Women Investor
Last week I had the opportunity to participate in the official launch of the second annual class of entrepreneurs involved in TechLaunch, New Jersey’s Technology Accelerator. As an investor in and mentor to this new class of entrepreneurs, it was fun to see the teams, all clad in bright blue t-shirts, provide the audience with the quick preview of their company’s idea. For a glimpse of these exciting new companies, see the recent profile in either NJ Tech Weekly or North Jersey.com. Continue reading
Posted in Accelerators, Angel Groups, Angel Investing, Golden Seeds, Opinion, TechLaunch, Uncategorized, Venture Capital
Tagged Accelerators, Angel Investing, Angel Investor, Brian S Cohen, Casabona Ventures, Early Stage Company Valuation, Golden Seeds, Launch, Mario Casabona, Mentorship, Montclair State University, New York Angels, NJ EDA, TechLaunch, Women Angels, Women Investor
Women Invest 