One of Angelsoft’s angel networks in Europe, the BiD Network, has launched an new opportunity for angels across the globe.  Taking a cue from the success of micro-finance and the problem with finding any type of early stage funding for SMEs in emerging markets, the Business in Development Network has created a way for angels to start investing in newly emerging markets. Investments with comparably high risks, but often in untapped markets with unlimited opportunities.

In our rapidly globalizing world, it is vital to keep up with the latest investment opportunities. Read on for a short interview with a business angel without borders.

Why are you committed to the BiD Network and her entrepreneurs?
"I think I can meaningfully support SMEs in emerging markets, by sharing my expertise and by providing access to finance to promising entrepreneurs. I consider this an important personal objective. The BiD Network offers a professional platform to get in touch with the entrepreneurs I am looking for."

In which BiD Network entrepreneurs did you invest?
'In 2006 I invested in Stewart Craine and his business called Barefoot Power (click here). Last year I decided to continue with another two entrepreneurs: Peter Meijer and Victor Mfinanga.  

Peter is starting up a workshop in Malawi. He is going to manufacture bicycle carts as a mean for transportation, as mobile shop or even as an ambulance. Peter knows Malawi very well, saw a clear opportunity and is highly dedicated to make this business a success. I will provide Peter a loan of about 23,000 US dollar.

One of my friends went on business travel to Tanzania. He did me a favor to also visit Victor Mfinanga whom I already met at a BiD Network event in the Netherlands. My friend reported positively on Victor, proving my gut feeling to be right. I am currently negotiating with Victor on a 20,000 US dollar equity investment in his milk business. I believe that Victor is the right man to make it happen.'

What do you expect from the investments?
'I do not have calculated expectations. But obviously the repayments and financial returns will influence my possibilities to make new investments as well as the confidence I have in the entrepreneurs I invested in.’

To learn more about the entrepreneurs and matchmaking services of BiD Network, please visit www.bidnetwork.org/matchmaking or send an e-mail to matchmaking@bidnetwork.org. To learn about more examples of business opportunities, please click here. If you would like BiD Network to tell you when relevant deals come in, please indicate your investment preferences in the “Expression of Interest”. Access to deals relevant to you will be provided via Angelsoft.

The BiD Network is a member of the European Business Angel Network and is headquartered in the Netherlands.

Mark I LaRosa :: Jul.22.2008 :: Angel Investor, International, Investors, VC :: Comments

Angelsoft was recently written up in the European Business Angel Network's (EBAN) bi-annual magazine as their exclusively endorsed software provider. Referencing the new 2.0 version of the platform, they are quoted as saying:

“[Angelsoft] greatly speeds up deal submission, due diligence and collaboration, while giving angel network managers a powerful set of tools to operate their groups as they desire.”

They go on to write about the benefits of Angelsoft,

“The software is flexible enough to support any angel network's existing process, and helps groups become much more efficient, saving time and removing friction in the investment process.”

As the exclusive software provider for EBAN, we are proud to have their support. For EBAN members, our multi-lingual team is available to provide training and to answer any questions. Contact them at support@angelsoft.net.

Jason Schwartz :: Jul.31.2007 :: Angelsoft 2.0, Endorsements, International :: Comments

The Association of Portuguese Business Angels is a leader in the best practices in angel investing. As such, we are honored that they have chosen to employ Angelsoft to manage their process.

After rigorous testing, they are quoted in their April Newsletter saying,

“APBA is convinced that Angelsoft is a winning bet: the tool was implemented successfully and is fully operational with both investors and entrepreneurs, with major benefits in efficiency and efficacy of its management and administrative processes.”

The team at Angelsoft is excited to have the APBA on board. We would like to thank them for performing the first test of the software in a non-English speaking country. Their feedback as beta testers was invaluable.

Jason Schwartz :: Jul.31.2007 :: Angelsoft 2.0, Endorsements, International :: Comments

In a move to start covering more Angel Activities around the world, we launch "Angels Abroad" a series highlight international Angels and their investment news.
Here a Norwich based startup raises £515,000 from a syndicate comprised of London Seed Capital, London Business Angels, Lond Business Angel's EIS Tracker fund, and GEIF Ventures.

Evan Bartlett :: Nov.02.2006 :: International, Syndication :: Comments