Angel Investors Program

Develop the key knowledge and skills to start Angel Investing

Angel investing is rising in prominence, with an estimated 3,400 Angel Investors investing 300 million in 2016-17. The last ten years have seen an explosion of people and investment in the Australian technology start up sector. Australia is now one of the fastest growing start-up ecosystems globally.

As angel investors take their rightful position alongside venture capital as a powerful source of financing for high growth companies, there is a growing need for a robust education framework to provide angel investors with the critical tools they need to build a meaningful portfolio.

In partnership with UNSW Founders, the Angel Investors Program presents angel investors with case studies, expert presentations and facilitated discussions designed to help you learn how to successfully identify, evaluate and manage your angel investments.

What you'll learn

The Program focuses on:

• Portfolio theory and construction
• Assessment and due diligence
• Risk involved – investment thesis and start up economics
• How to identify opportunities
• How to speak to a start up
• Role of Angel vs Venture Capital (change over time – e.g. transition of teams)
• Negotiation, term sheets and deal economics
• Start-up ecosystem – where do Angels fit
• Challenges – what are the key risks to mitigate

How you'll learn

Through a blend of facilitated discussions, relevant and current case studies, experiential activities, and shared insights from Australia’s leading angel and investment experts, you will complete the program equipped with the insights, practical tools and frameworks ready for immediate use.

Themes

Introduction to Angel Investing

• The start-up ecosystem and emerging trends
• The funding landscape
• Role of Angel Investors – Explore the various types and where they fit
• Understanding your motivation and risk tolerance
• What does success look like?

Evaluating Opportunities

• Portfolio construction
• Returns and risks
• Tax incentives
• Where to source opportunities
• Personal investment thesis and impact
• Sustainability and diversity
• How to talk to start ups

Negotiating

• Introduction to investment deal terms on a term sheet
• A balanced approach to negotiating deal terms
• Security types used in Angel Investments
• Deal economics, management & control, protection, exits & liquidity
• Valuations: Why valuation matters, methodologies, valuation realities, negotiating valuations
• Introduction to establishing a fair valuation for a start-up company
• Cap Table, projecting cap tables forward, ways companies exit and return capital to investors.
• Thinking about later follow-on rounds
• Some key angel-focused tax items

Portfolio Management

• Adding value to the start-up (mentoring, coaching and being helpful)
• Venture Capital view of Angels
• Challenges in start-ups (e.g. founder disagreements)
• Funding and mentor match up
• Managing your portfolio (gaps / overlaps / themes / balance)