National and local experts educate angel investors; Seminar provides strength for success
05/03/05
Sioux Falls , SD - Even with a bear market and an economic slowdown, angel investors can find promising, lucrative investment opportunities through targeted research and education.
With help from the Enterprise Institute, angel investors can learn how to thrive despite economic downturns. National and regional angel investors and other experts shared their expertise at The Power of Angel Investing seminar Tuesday, May 3 at the South Dakota Technology Business Center in northwest Sioux Falls. The Enterprise Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping angels find quality investment opportunities, presented a nationally acclaimed seminar in cooperation with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City , Missouri.
Angel investors provide private financing for emerging growth companies that are too small to attract venture capital, but too big to rely on funding from family or friends. The May 3 seminar gave seasoned angel investors, legal and financial experts, and potential angels who are private accredited investors a protected setting in which to network and share information. Accredited investors are defined by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) as having a net worth of $1 million - excluding residence - or an annual income in excess of $200,000 or, with a spouse, in excess of $300,000 annually. There were no entrepreneurs seeking capital at the seminar, and the attendee list will not be released.
"We hope to increase the expertise of South Dakota angel investors and to develop and strengthen angel networks in South Dakota and the region." said Marcia Hendrickson , Director of the Enterprise Institute. "Long term angel investing can be a rewarding and viable form of investing in any type of market with a careful and analytical approach."
The seminar included presentations, case studies and panel discussions on finding the right angel investment opportunities, portfolio strategies, deal sources, valuation, due diligence, structuring deals, post-investment roles for angels and exit strategies. Time was set aside for participants to network with other angel investors and the speakers.
Premier seminar sponsors included Bluestem Capital; Boyce, Greenfield; Pashby & Welk; South Dakota Technology Business Center; Governor's Office of Economic Development; and the Enterprise Institute. Additional support sponsors include PrairieGold Venture Partners, and The McGowan Group.
"This seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of angel investing to accredited investors who have done zero to three angel deals, and are interested in learning more about the processes involved in angel investing," according to Bill Payne, Kauffman Foundation. "We cover the spectrum of topics, including due diligence, structuring deals and the valuation of pre-revenue companies, in a confidential environment. Attendance is limited to optimize interactions between participants and the faculty," Payne added.
For more information about The Power of Angel Investing seminar, contact the Enterprise Institute at 605.275.8013 or maribethb@sdei.org.