Growing networks of angel investors Friday, January 31, 2003 I'm noticing a growing interest around the country in promoting angel investor networks. Angel investor networks have been around for a long time as an economic strategy. It's a simple, compelling idea, but it's not that easy to pull off. What's behind the new momentum? Several factors: an increased emphasis on innovation. Flat and declining support for "soft money" initiatives. And a growing sophistication among angel networks. But for an angel network to be effective, you need to train (and screen) both entrepreneurs and investors. This week, New Mexico held an angel conference to train both investors and entrepreneurs. Read more background. The conference web site includes a good example of a conference schedule with two tracks, one for entrepreneurs, one for investors. If you are planning to head in this direction, use the New Mexico agenda as a guide. Innovation Philadelphia building its angel networks to the next level formally by establishing a $5 million to $10 million fund for angel investors. Read more. To start your education about angel investing, you can download the Kaufman Foundation's recent report on best practices. More detailed research is available at the University of New Hampshire's Center for Venture Research, where the concept of angel investing was first rigorously examined in the early 1980's. The Center now estimates in 2001 angel investors numbered 350,000, and invested between $30 and $35 billion in close to 50,000 ventures in the United States. Read more. posted by Ed Morrison |		This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. links Some Background on EDPro Weblog The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it. One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information. So, spread the word...Share the knowledge. Tell a friend about EDPro Weblog. If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site: Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber: Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking. Background on Ed Morrison Download some background information on me here.

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