Maple Leaf Angels has members from diverse backgrounds and professional experience, all eager to learn about new ideas, support innovation and supply capital where possible. Jordy Koski shares his journey into Angel investing and why he feels Angel investment groups like MLA are important to the Canadian start-up community, as well as his professional interests.
#angelinvesting#torontostartup#venturecapital#entrepreneurship#startupecosystem#techinvesting
So I was an operator for most of my career in kind of go to market functions. So business development, sales, taking a lot of Canadian software into the US. I reached a point where I'd been beat up enough and I'd seen enough success or I thought I had pretty good perspective on the capital side of startups and there are opportunities there. I was getting asked to invest from friends and folks that that knew I was starting to do some advisory work and startups and for me I was looking for a group to be a part of. An Angel group, so I can learn from other angels And that's when I found MLA. One big positive is just learning from other members, folks with different perspective on whether it be the technology or the industry or the market. Feeling like a part of that community has been one of the major kind of benefits. Another is a lot of interesting companies come to the group looking for investment companies that I may not have seen otherwise. So those are two two major benefits. Yeah. So for me, I try to be a few things. One is a shoulder to cry on. So, you know, these companies psychologists, yeah, for the entrepreneur it's a really tough journey, but it's a journey that I've gone through so I can empathize and I want to be that just phone call away. So that's one big thing. There are specific areas that I generally have a lot of input on, you know, go to market selling as a startup into big companies, something that a doll honors. So those are of the few of the ways that that I see my role, you know, not trying to run the company. Myself, umm, but offer perspective and let the entrepreneur kind of make the decisions as they as they best see. But but offer, you know, some of my own experience. For me, commitment to solving a problem is probably #1. Like what is the change in the world that you want to drive and you're committed to solving? It's not about the technology that you want to use if you don't want to play around with, but it's like, what's the core problem? Because how you solve that. Problems have changed, but you know, I want to be convinced that you're willing to do this for 1020 years and you want to do that and because when things hit the fan, as they always do. If you're not fully committed, then, then people find reasons, you know, not to keep chasing that. So that's a huge one for me. I like to see teams that have some real personal connection to what they're trying to do. Maybe they've experienced a problem or they know people that have experienced the problem, You know, there's a deep motivation there. So those are, those are a few of the big things I look for. Human health is is a big area that I focus on, also focus on sustainability. So I guess the health of our environment. So I'm looking for innovations in. In those areas, whether it be how we manage our water, how we access you know, clean air, how we lower our emissions. So innovations in those areas. And then the third is kind of the frontier. So this lets me look at innovations and things like AI and Quantum on the whole I look at, I try to look at kind of deep protect things that are emerging tech. Defensible. OK, there's usually some real innovation there that's unique in the world.
The areas are incredibly exciting to me, especially utilizing A.I. as the foundation.
Quantum Computing
By harnessing the potential of quantum computing, we'll accelerate scientific discoveries, optimize complex systems, and drive innovation in fields like medicine, finance, and climate modelling.
Gene Editing
Gene editing will empower us to cure genetic diseases, restore vision to the blind, and unlock new avenues for personalized medicine, ultimately transforming the way we approach healthcare.
Synthetic Biology
As we engineer new biological systems, we'll develop sustainable solutions for energy, agriculture, and environmental conservation, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Neuroscience and Brain-Computer Interfaces
By understanding the human brain, we'll develop revolutionary treatments for neurological disorders, enhance human cognition, and create new interfaces that bridge the gap between humans and machines
Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine
As we pioneer regenerative medicine, we'll develop treatments that repair and regenerate damaged tissues, revolutionizing the treatment of chronic diseases and improving the human condition.
Thank you for sharing Jordy's journey into angel investing. Maple Leaf Angels' approach to supporting innovation and providing crucial capital is truly inspiring. What do you think are the key qualities an angel investor should have to make a significant impact on the startup community?
PeaceLovingVeteran.DealMaker.WarriorForBetter
#SolveForHuman - Mission driven leader, collaborative deal maker with a knack for positioning, presence, connecting and negotiating. Mamma to a pop star and an engineer
Finding the right funding can catapult your project from idea to reality.
In a world brimming with possibilities, stepping beyond traditional funding routes can uncover the unique support your venture needs.
Let’s delve into ten inventive ways to secure funding, enhanced with engaging examples, emojis for emphasis, and compelling statistics.
https://lnkd.in/eGbybrKD
Author: Lachezar Zanev, Ambassador at De Bacci Capital
#funding#capital#entrepreneurship#ventures#financeAnna L De Bacci, Elena De Bacci
Interested in learning more about venture investing from the perspective of the investor? Apply to be a Student Venture Associate with the Bluestone Seed Fund by September 20th! Want to know more first? Reach out to us at gcfe@jmu.edu#jmu#jmugcfe#entrepreneur#entrepreneurship
"The first step towards investment often starts with the closest circle – friends and family. While the investment amount may seem small in monetary terms, the value they add goes far beyond the numbers. Their belief in our vision and their trust in us as individuals is truly priceless.
It's not just about capital; it's about the validation and confidence they bring, giving us the strength to pursue our dreams. To all those who invest their support, belief, and funds in early-stage ventures – thank you for being the cornerstone of every success story."
#Entrepreneurship#StartupLife#Investment#Gratitude#Support#FriendsAndFamily
Interested in learning more about venture investing from the perspective of the investor? Apply to be a Student Venture Associate with the Bluestone Seed Fund by September 20th! Want to know more first? Reach out to us at gcfe@jmu.edu#jmu#jmugcfe#entrepreneur#entrepreneurship
This is why I don't think revenue is the most important indicator for a successful company.
It helps understand a business's growth and success. But cash flow is the lifeblood of any business.
It determines the health and longevity of a company, allowing it to invest in growth opportunities, cover expenses, and ensure smooth operations.
It's often the cash flow that keeps the business running when the economy gets tough.
At The London Fund, a venture catalyst, we particularly look for start-ups with strong cash flow opportunities and companies with a strong heartbeat.
What indicators do you use to decide your investments?
For more content on #entrepreneurship, #VentureCapital, and #investing, follow me, Ashesh Shah.
The areas are incredibly exciting to me, especially utilizing A.I. as the foundation. Quantum Computing By harnessing the potential of quantum computing, we'll accelerate scientific discoveries, optimize complex systems, and drive innovation in fields like medicine, finance, and climate modelling. Gene Editing Gene editing will empower us to cure genetic diseases, restore vision to the blind, and unlock new avenues for personalized medicine, ultimately transforming the way we approach healthcare. Synthetic Biology As we engineer new biological systems, we'll develop sustainable solutions for energy, agriculture, and environmental conservation, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. Neuroscience and Brain-Computer Interfaces By understanding the human brain, we'll develop revolutionary treatments for neurological disorders, enhance human cognition, and create new interfaces that bridge the gap between humans and machines Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine As we pioneer regenerative medicine, we'll develop treatments that repair and regenerate damaged tissues, revolutionizing the treatment of chronic diseases and improving the human condition.