“Angel investors are stepping in to plug the funding gap at the early stages”

—Christina Caljé

As a Black-Latinx female entrepreneur who has successfully launched and scaled a businesses to acquisition, I’ve acquired a vast knowledge in raising capital and breaking into different markets. I apply those learnings to amplify the European ecosystem by serving as an advisor, mentor, and angel investor for pre-seed startups, with a particular focus on investing in women founders and founders of colour.

Whether it be via direct investment or syndicated investment vehicles, angel investors are stepping in to plug the funding gap at the earliest stages, particularly for gender and ethnically diverse communities. The much sought after ‘fly-wheel’ effect first seen in Silicon Valley is finally reaching this side of the Atlantic; a positive feedback loop in which success breeds a self-sustaining cycle of investment and success!

Some European-based angels, networks and syndicates on my radar:

Operator Exchange

Atomico Angels

Ada Angels

Alma Angels

Syndicate One

Black Angel Group

Joanna Invests

List of 250+ female angels (compiled by Sifted, a Financial Times publication)

And, some tips on how to approach the fundraising process (pre/seed):

-  Define the value addition beyond capital that investors should bring to the table (e.g., geographic or industry expertise, operational support, network connections, specific strategic guidance etc.)

- Talk to other founders that have recently raised a similar amount or are one funding level ahead; they can share best practices, investor names, candid feedback and intros

- Research companies these angels / VC funds have invested in past (of course, they should match your industry / region / investment level); how do you regard these companies' track record and does Inicio complement or compete? Identify 1-2 founders per fund and reach out for founder feedback to find out how they supported them post-investment

- Define your 'ideal investor' cultural profile (risk appetite, investment horizon, support philosophy, value add, personality / culture of fund etc.)

- Evaluate / score angels / VC funds versus 'ideal investor' profile and prioritize reachouts based on that cultural profile alignment (lower prio first, to get your ‘feet wet’ with the pitch