Angel Investment

Overview of the Angel Investment program:

Angel investors are typically high net-worth individuals who invest in high risk, early-stage ventures by reserving a portion of their total investment portfolios to provide emerging companies with seed and startup capital through direct, private investments. Their goal is to achieve higher returns than the general public markets provide. Most Angels are active investors who contribute their time and experience, as well as offer introductions to valuable contacts essential to the company’s success.

Benefits of the Angel Investment program:

• Angels typically invest between $25,000 and $100,000 per transaction individually, and from $250,000 to $750,000 as a group.

Eligibility criteria of the Angel Investment program:

• We evaluate based on management team, market opportunity, growth potential, as well as other factors. To stand out from the rest of the crowd, make sure that you meet our investment criteria and that you are fully prepared with a polished business plan and presentation.
• In order to qualify, the following criteria must be met:
  • Annual revenues of at least $100K or high likelihood of closing sales to a strategic customer within three months
  • Use of innovative technology to scale customer and revenue growth rapidly
  • Addressable Market Size: At least $100M annually
  • Market Geography: Global
  • Location: Ontario, with preference for southern Ontario
  • Age of Company: Three years or less from date of incorporation, with exceptions for companies with a major pivot
  • Intellectual Property: Preferably owned or assigned to company; preferably patented or patentable. IP may include trade secrets
  • Founder Team: Complementary coverage of skill sets; open to bringing in executives to help fill skill gaps; experienced, driven, and coachable
  • Industry Sector: All but pharmaceutics
  • Financing Sought: Up to $2M but may be higher if other investors are committed to fill the larger round
  • Pre-money Valuation: Generally, not greater than $5M. Justification will be required for valuation based on revenues, market position, IP
  • Innovation: Must present clear advantages over competitors, whether in technology, products, or market approach
  • Readiness for Due Diligence: Secure data room available with information that is standard for early stage due diligence (Due Diligence checklist available)
  • Ability to Pitch: Practiced ability to present advantages of your company at a very high level to a general university-educated audience