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Investing in a startup is akin to a marriage. It’s about investing in people and confidence in the entrepreneur’s commitment and resilience is paramount. At the same time, we cannot downplay the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among ourselves as angel investors.
Being part of a network allows investors to collaborate on due diligence, share expertise, and build a stronger portfolio more quickly. It also provides a support system and helps protect your rights.
To explore this topic further, today I’m joined by my friend and long-time investor, Pieter Dorsman. Pieter is a seasoned angel investor, advisor and mentor, who is President and CEO of Redpeaks Management Inc., a consulting firm focused on advising technology companies on capital raising and restructuring activities. Pieter is also a Director and CFO at eFund, a Vancouver-based seed stage investment fund which has invested in 42 tech companies to date. Since 2018, he has also been an owner and director of Vancouver’s Angel Forum.
In this conversation, Pieter and I discuss the benefits and challenges of angel investing, advantages of joining an angel investor network, the importance of education and mentorship for new angel investors, how he addresses the challenges with finding quality deals, realistic time horizons of investments, and more. Enjoy the episode!
Pieter’s transition from banking and motivation to become an angel investor
The importance of providing support and capital to startups
The distinction between angel investors and venture capitalists (VCs)
Diverse motivations and backgrounds of angel investors
How collaboration with the government can improve the entrepreneurial environment and increase deal flow
Why Pieter emphasizes the founder’s character and commitment when making investment decisions
How angels and angel networks can build trust with founders
Different methods commonly used for valuing startups
The long-term nature of angel investing and realistic time horizons for exits
How involved angel investors typically get with founder
Challenges with founders who are not equipped to run their companies
Upcoming webinar series on angel investing
Pieter Dorsman on Twitter @PieterDorsman
Pieter Dorsman’s Substack Newsletter
Development Bank of Jamaica Website
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Composer: Seretse Small, Founder, Avant Academy of Music
