Eric Rosenfeld, co-founder of Capybara Ventures and the Oregon Angel Fund, takes some time to answer questions ranging from why should you should attend Angel Oregon to the current state of angel investing in Oregon. Great insights into angel investing from someone who personally looks over 200 business plans a year!
> Why should investors attend OEN's Angel Oregon?
This is the premier chance of the year to not only see and hear, but to personally meet, some of the most promising and exciting startups in Oregon. What could be more time efficient than to meet these companies, and hear about the due diligence that’s been done, all in one event on one day?
> Why should entrepreneurs attend OEN's Angel Oregon?
Not only a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet the active angel investors in town, but also to see how other companies are pitching, positioning, and presenting themselves to investors.
> What are a few current trends in angel investing that you see happening in Oregon?
1. The angels are back! Now that the stock market has rebounded a little, investors are starting to come out of hibernation and sniff around.
2. Investors are looking for companies that solve real, identifiable, and understandable customer problems. “Nice-to-have” solutions are out; “must have” solutions are in. We’re looking for companies that can demonstrate either a real increase in revenue, or a real decrease in expense, for their customers.
> What can companies do to appeal to angel investors?
1. Show that the management team has a track record of career success, a track record of making money for investors (or employers), and deep experience and knowledge with the markets and technologies they are pursuing.
2. Show that they have been able to attract credible, leading industry experts to their advisory board.
> What resources do you recommend entrepreneurs use when building a company and looking to raise money?
1. OEN business plan development workshops and business plan reviews. Both help entrepreneurs put their best foot forward…and help connect them with potential advisors and investors.
2. Apply to PAN, WIN, and OAF (online via oen.org) – the worst that can happen is you get some visibility with and constructive feedback from investors.
Eric Rosenfeld co-founded Capybara Ventures with Bob Ward in 2004. Eric also co-founded the Oregon Angel Fund, an annually renewing, highly participatory fund of 80 angel investors. The two venture funds have helped launch and grow over 20 local growth companies in the past 5 years and have attracted over $100M in co-investment and follow-on investment.
Click to register for OEN's Angel Oregon.