Author Archive
How should Entrepreneurs and Investors cope with a Second Recession?
Neil Lewis on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009In the first recession investors wanted business plans that offered new simplified services or goods that make things work better (ie. increase efficiency – such as self-service on the web for better prices) or that reduce costs (such as better conferencing or collaboration on the web allowing businesses to cut corporate travel).
However, as opinions strengthen [...]
What are you investing in?
Neil Lewis on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009The biggest question for angel investors – and hardest to answer question – is ‘what am I actually investing in’?
However, if we ask the question another way, it does become easier.
If we take the approach that the task of the investor is first and foremost not to lose his money, then the first question that [...]
What makes a successful Business Angel Investment?
Neil Lewis on Monday, August 3rd, 200956% of ventures invested in by angel investors will fail, according to recent research by Nesta..
However, as Nesta warns, the figure could be even higher as their statistical sample was taken from angel investors who have remained active over a number of years.
Therefore, the rate of failure could be as high as 80% , or to [...]
Venture Capital’s 70% drop creates Business Angel Opportunity
Neil Lewis on Friday, July 17th, 2009“Venture Capital funds available for start-up and growth businesses has dropped 70% since 2000″, said Anne Glover chief executive of Amadeus Capital Partners at the BBAA Annual Awards Dinner.
This means that businesses seeking new capital that are unable to raise bank finance (and who is able at present?) will need to increasingly turn to Business [...]
Business Angels need training!
Neil Lewis on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009Business Angels need training – that was the overwhelming message coming from the British Business Angels Association annual conference held at the Belfry in early July.
Quoting new research from Nesta, Mogwenna Rees-Mogg stated that a ‘56% failure rate for Business Angel investing is not good enough’.
This means that for every £1 invested by UK Business [...]
British Business Angels meet at the Belfry today
Neil Lewis on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009The BBAA (British Business Angels Association) trade body is today organising its annual awards ceremony and conference at the Belfry.
The event is sponsored by Advantage West Midlands, the redevelopment agency for the West Midlands.
It will include both an opportunity to recognise key contributions made to this growth sector during the year at the annual awards dinner as well [...]
9 things every Business Angel needs…
Neil Lewis on Friday, June 12th, 2009The 9 things every direct business investor or business angel needs:
Deal Flow
There are more and more sources of direct business investment opportunity – you need to find a way to track them and pick out those that deserve more attention. Firstly, you’ll join networks or groups, which is often free, and then you’ll begin to see a [...]
iBusinessAngel launching Autumn 2009
Neil Lewis on Friday, June 12th, 2009Small businesses and start up ventures can no longer access easy investment from banks and therefore need to turn to private individuals – or business angels.
These business angels also often bring a degree of industry experience and knowledge that can be invaluable for small or start-up companies.
The UK has the highest number of angels in [...]

