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Why become a ‘business angel’?
Being a business angel offers the prospect of a high return, and unlike a stock market investment there is scope to use your skills and experience to raise the performance of the business…
Category Archives: FAQs
Is selling shares in my company instead of taking out a loan the best thing to do?
If you really want what we term – “sunk” – long term capital in your business that you don’t have to worry about paying back in the same way you would a loan, then selling shares in return for funding may be right for you but that is too simple an answer when there is alot more involved in that simple transaction.
Is equity finance just for start-ups?
No, it can be appropriate for start-ups and established businesses alike.
Must I give away a slice of my business?
You don’t give anything away. An incoming investor would buy shares in your company at a price that you both agree. If you don’t agree on price, you don’t proceed.
Do Minerva’s business angels only invest locally ?
No – but it’s true to say that most business angels like to think the company they invest into is near enough to visit although in truth they rarely ever do that. Most of our Angels are based in and around the Midlands but at least 25% are dotted around the UK.
How long does it take to get an investment agreed?
For the business seeking funds …the usual advice is to start looking for your investors well before you need the money ..6-12 months is not out of line with the time it takes to actually complete an equity deal. It can of course be a lot quicker but that will depend on the information available, evidence, clarity and validation of the key facts. Being well prepared beforehand so there are no surprises and you know what you are likely to be asked will always speed the process.
Is investment with Minerva very high risk?
Investing in unquoted companies is inherently more risky than investing in shares traded on public markets, and advice should always be taken from a suitably qualified independent adviser before making any commitment.
Do Minerva angels only see high tech & pre-revenue companies?
No – although we are part of the University of Warwick Science Park we receive enquiries from companies around the UK and sometimes beyond. We have no specific sectors nor stages of maturity that we concentrate on. See the range of companies we have already invested into …
How much and how often do I have to invest through Minerva?
There is no fixed sum, although generally most investments never start lower than £5,000, with no upper limit we do not put any member of the network under pressure to invest, although, clearly if you join the Angel network there is an expectation that you will invest in the right opportunity.
How many opportunities will I see and what will the quality be like?
The Minerva Business Angel Network has been around a long time – infact longer than most netwoks in the UK and indeed the world – but that is no guarantee we only ever see the best and probable “stars” of the future.