Early stage (or “angel”) investors play a critical role in helping young companies scale.
Historically, women have been under-represented in this asset class, but that’s beginning to change. Investors who understand the mechanics of angel investing stand to be more successful.
With the support of Cintrifuse and Aviatra Accelerators, a group of area experienced professionals and entrepreneurs are hosting “Introduction to Early Stage Investing”—a workshop for women throughout the region, presented exclusively by women.
This one-day event will take place on June 10 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Union Hall located at 1311 Vine St., Cincinnati. The primary goal of the workshop is to educate qualified investors on the ins and outs of investing in early-stage companies, while helping female entrepreneurs understand what lies ahead as they begin to raise venture capital funding.
“Over the next 20 years, we will see the largest transfer of wealth to women and to the millennial generation,” said Wendy Lea, CEO of Cintrifuse. “For innovation in our community to thrive, it is critical for women to be comfortable and competent interacting with and investing in emerging companies.”
Nancy Aichholz, CEO of Aviatra Accelerators, an organization devoted to empowering women-owned businesses, expanded on this statement, agreed, pointing out that women start the majority of new businesses in the United States.
“Over the next 20 years, we will see the largest transfer of wealth to women and to the millennial generation. For innovation in our community to thrive, it is critical for women to be comfortable and competent interacting with and investing in emerging companies,” Wendy Lea, CEO of Cintrifuse. “
“Yet, just 17 cents of every dollar invested in high-growth early-stage companies is going to women-led ventures,” Aichholz said. “It doesn’t add up. But one thing is clear, the vibrancy of our regional economy is closely tied to women understanding and having access to financing. Education is the first step.”
Structured to be informative and interactive, “Introduction to Early Stage Investing” will explain the angel investment process using everyday language. One of the workshop’s many objectives is to bring together qualified investors and entrepreneurs for open dialog.
“I often hear women say they are curious about investing in start-ups, but my experience is that the jargon poses a stumbling…