Some of the most successful companies started as mom-and-pop operations or a young entrepreneur’s dream, but they needed capital from investors to grow and succeed. Too often, investing in a startup is perceived as something only the uber-wealthy can do. Yet, that is far from the truth.
In fact, most entrepreneurs start their companies fundraising from friends and family who make modest investments that can pay off big future dividends for both company founders and investors. These early investors, or angel investors, can be the foundation of a diverse and flourishing startup economy.
But the idea of investing in a startup can be uncertain for many who have never played this role. Enter AngelNV, an entrepreneur and investor boot camp program that educates entrepreneurs on how to raise venture capital and works with both first-time and experienced investors on how to invest in startups.
AngelNV investors need not be super wealthy to participate and can participate at the beginning of their investment journey, such as successful professionals or retirees. As a result, AngelNV is broadening the pool of potential investors and building a more diverse and homegrown angel investor network for startups in Nevada. For example, the AngelNV investor group comprises 27% female investors and 52% from minority (underserved community) member investors—significantly exceeding national and historical averages.
Now in its third year, AngelNV continues to raise more seed money, attract more investors and educate more entrepreneurs, ultimately building the critically needed bridge between entrepreneurs and angel investors in Nevada.
AngelNV BootCamp Starts Jan. 24
AngelNV’s next investor boot camp starts Jan. 24, with weekly in-person and online sessions on angel investing strategies and tactics. During the 13-week boot camp, participants will learn about the investing process, collaborate with other soon-to-be angels and leverage experience to mitigate risks.
Investor boot camp participants invest a minimum of $5,000 in the AngelNV Conference Fund. More experienced investors can select not to participate in the boot camp and still invest in the fund. As a group, the AngelNV investors then award a $200,000 grand prize investment to one of the six finalists they select from the program’s entrepreneur boot camp during a special entrepreneur pitch event on April 29 at Las Vegas City Hall.
This year, the impact of AngelNV will be amplified thanks to a matching investment from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) for a total investment of $400,000. Additional investments may also be made in runner-up companies.
This seed money from AngelNV can be the difference between success and failure for a startup.
“The investment from AngelNV has been critical to our ability to build a company infrastructure effective for scaling. Through AngelNV and its investor group and with their ongoing mentorship and support, SafeArbor is successfully executing on client deliverables while growing to ensure future success,” said Lindsay Ballengee, Cofounder & COO of SafeArbor, which received the first AngelNV grand prize investment in 2021.
Educating people about the potential benefits of investing and how it is not an opportunity exclusive to the uber-wealthy can help build generational wealth for Nevada’s families.
Becoming an angel investor can be a win-win for everyone; now is the time to learn more. Interested investors can get more information about the next AngelNV boot camp starting Jan. 24 and angel investing opportunities at angelnv.com.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.