Welcome to the latest episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show! Listen to this truly inspiring story of Compassionate Capitalism, the rise of angel investing across Europe, and how a world-wide pandemic triggered a connection and community that may not exist otherwise.
Our guest, Cintia Mano, is the CEO of Core Angels, a dynamic network of angel groups that spans across Europe and beyond. Core Angels is revolutionizing the world of angel investing by guiding corporate professionals through the transition into impactful investing while fostering a culture of collaboration rarely seen in U.S. angel groups.
Cynthia’s journey from a corporate career in computer science and consulting to becoming a startup founder, mentor, and angel investor offers invaluable insights. Her experiences have shaped her mission to dispel myths about who can be an angel investor and to create accessible pathways for “regular” people to support startups. We’ll dive into how Core Angels has funded 93 startups with a diverse group of 300 angels, including 15% women, and how they leverage structured portfolio strategies and global connections to thrive during the pandemic.
Join us as Cynthia shares her personal experiences, the origins of Core Angels, and the transformative power of angel investing in building vibrant startup ecosystems. Plus, stay tuned as we discuss the similarities and differences between European and U.S. investment landscapes, and the crucial role ex-founders play as angel investors. Get ready to be inspired and informed about the exciting world of angel investing!
Some key takeaways:
- Fewer real estate investment options in Europe than US
- Prevailing myths in the U.S. about real estate vs. angel investing limits the potential investor pool
- Difficulty convincing successful ex-founders to invest in other small businesses – pay it forward
- Cynthia Mano’s insights into ex-founders’ initial reluctance
- Importance of their expertise and experience for startups
- Encouragement to invest a small portion of wealth to get started
- Training angels on metrics and valuation complexities of startups vs established performing companies
- Transfer of skills and sharing info between ex-founders and startups
- Blend of science and art in valuations and evaluating the potential of a startup
- Co-founding a new angel group with a different investment thesis
- 11 funds across eight countries, 300 active investor angels, 50% with no experience to start
- Community-driven investing, using a “Fund model” lead investor with pooled member funds
- 15% female investors and first-time startup investors
- Collaborative environment to review deals and focus on diverse portfolio
- Active participation in investment committees, knowledge sharing and diverse expertise for informed decisions
- Reviewing startups aligned with investment thesis
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Cintia Mano is the CEO of COREangels, a platform dedicated to helping professionals transition from corporate careers to impactful angel investing in the startup ecosystem. It mixes the decision power and the involvement of angel investing with the structure and portfolio approach of a VC fund. Learn more: https://www.coreangels.com/press-releases/coreangels-appoints-cintia-mano-as-chief-executive-officer
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Karen Rands is a best selling author, top rated podcaster, and sought after advisor for founders and investors. Learn more at her website:
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