Some of the most successful companies started out of a garage, dorm room, or as 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 or highly experienced investment professionals can do. Yet, that is far from the truth.
In fact, most entrepreneurs start their companies fundraising from friends and family or local investors who make modest investments that can pay off big future dividends for both company founders and investors. In fact, these early investors—or angel investors—can be the foundation of a diverse and flourishing startup economy.
However, the idea of investing in a startup can cause anxiety for many who have never played this role. Enter AngelNV, an annual entrepreneur and investor boot camp program sponsored by StartUpNV. AngelNV educates entrepreneurs on raising venture capital and works with both first-time and experienced investors on finding, screening, and investing in high-potential startups.
Investors need not be “super wealthy” to participate in AngelNV. They can be at the beginning of their startup investment journey, such as successful professionals or retirees. As a result, AngelNV is broadening the pool of well-informed startup investors and building a more diverse and homegrown angel investor network in Nevada.
For example, nearly half of the AngelNV investor group is from an underserved community, including 19 percent women and 29 percent minorities, significantly exceeding national and historical averages. Consequently, AngelNV is helping to build generational wealth for a broad spectrum of families in Nevada.
In its first three years, AngelNV welcomed 113 investors who invested $950,000 in seven Nevada-based startups together. Coupled with matching funds from Nevada’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), AngelNV has facilitated a total of $1.5 million to be invested in unique startups founded and employing people in Nevada. While prior performance can’t predict future results, the previous years’ investments are currently valued at about 40% more than the money invested.
The annual AngelNV program is now underway, but there is still time for potential investors to get involved. The weekly hour-long sessions held in-person and via live stream are archived online so participants can review sessions about the investing process and angel investing strategies at their leisure. More experienced investors can select not to participate in the weekly hour-long sessions and still invest in the AngelNV Annual Conference Fund, which requires a minimum $5,000 investment.
The AngelNV investors then vote to award a $200,000 first place investment to one of the six finalists they select from the program’s entrepreneur boot camp and other Nevada-based startups that apply for the investment. The winning company is selected live during a special “Shark Tank”-style entrepreneur pitch event on April 27 at Las Vegas City Hall. Additional investments may also be made in runner-up companies.
Anyone can attend the grand finale event on April 27th, 2024. Get your tickets here.
This seed money from AngelNV could be the difference between success and failure for a startup. For participating investors, AngelNV offers an opportunity to build generational wealth that once was only available to the uber-wealthy. And for our economy, AngelNV is helping to spur diversity and create new jobs.
Becoming an angel investor can be a win-win for everyone, and now is the time to learn more. Interested investors can get more information about the AngelNV program and angel investing opportunities at https://angelnv.com/.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.