KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Angel investors annually fund an estimated $24 billion in early-stage companies, but what kind of returns do they achieve? Are startups getting too expensive for seed-stage funding to be an acceptable risk? How will equity crowdfunding change the way capital is raised by startups? How can angels build more diversity into their community and investments? The Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world's leading professional association for angel investors, is providing answers to these questions and others at the 2016 ACA Summit – the preeminent annual gathering of angel investors.
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Robert Wiltbank will present his latest comprehensive study of returns to angel investors, updating data from his 2007 study that demonstrated an average 27 percent internal rate of return. Wiltbank is professor of strategic management at Willamette University and lead research on angel investing for the Angel Resource Institute.
"The angel capital markets continue to undergo dramatic shifts, with more and more ways for individuals to invest, and universities and economic development groups pushing to spur growth and innovation in the startup ecosystem," said Marianne Hudson, executive director of the Angel Capital Association. "The 2016 ACA Summit is the most important platform for angels to drill down into the key issues they face, including rising startup valuations, inclusive investing and responding to the new equity crowdfunding rules going into effect in May."
In addition to the returns study, highlights of the three-day Summit include:
- Kay Koplovitz, founder of USA Network, will discuss women leadership in business, angel investing and increasing women's participation in the startup ecosystem
- Brad Feld, managing partner of Foundry Group and globally respected entrepreneur, venture capitalist and angel investor on emerging trends in early-stage investing
- Mark Walsh, an SBA Administrator who is also an entrepreneur and angel investor, will explore trends in entrepreneurship and early stage investing against the backdrop of SBA changes.
- Sebastian Gomez Abero, small business policy chief at the Securities and Exchange Commission, will head a panel discussing Regulation Crowdfunding under the JOBS Act, which goes becomes effective May 16.
- Bob Rice, managing partner of Tangent Capital, an investment bank for alternative assets and best-selling author of The Alternative Answer. He will be interviewed by super angel David S. Rose.
- Fabrice Grinda, a world-leading internet entrepreneur and super angel, with more than $300 million in exits and 200+ angel investments
- Howard Morgan, partner at First Round Capital, and one of the most respected venture capitalists in the world
Investors and leaders of the startup support community can still register for this event. The agenda includes more than 40 sessions for every angel investor experience level and whether they invest individually, through angel groups, or through online accredited investing platforms.
This year ACA and Wharton Entrepreneurship are also partnering on The American Angel campaign, the first-ever U.S. angel investor study focused on providing a benchmark and facts so that public policy makers and others can help ensure a robust angel investing market place and access to capital for startups. The ACA Summit is a kicking off point of support for this critical research, where hundreds of angels are expected to take The American Angel survey currently underway.
ACA annual partners, along with many Summit sponsors and 48 startup companies participating in an Innovation Showcase, will display their services to entrepreneurs and angels at an ongoing Summit exhibit hall. Local hosts for the event include Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Select Greater Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Jumpstart New Jersey Angel Network.
About the Angel Capital Association (ACA)
Known as the voice of the angel investors, the Angel Capital Association (ACA) offers professional development, public policy advocacy and significant benefits and resources to its membership of more than 13,000 accredited investors, who invest individually or through 240 angel groups, accredited platforms and family offices. Since its founding in 2005, ACA has built the world's largest collective of angels across North America, and aligns like-minded angels to build their early-stage investment skills and share innovative ideas and practices. @ACAAngelCapital; #ACAAngelSummit.
Contact:
Cheryl Isen, Media Relations for Angel Capital Association
425-222-0779
Email