(tune in to Virtual Venture Cafe Cambridge https://venturecafecambridge.org)

You're passionate about becoming an encore entrepreneur. You've got friends and family excited about your early prototype, you're instincts and research indicate there is market potential, and you are ready to fuel your nascent enterprise into a full-fledged business . . . Are you also ready to give an angel investor a seat at your table in exchange for funding?

Join us to learn if, and when, angel funding is right for you. We'll discuss:

• the pros & cons of taking on angel investors
• how the different structures of angel funding operate, e.g. group funds, individual investors, etc.
• what angel investors look for in a founder and their startup
• how to attract the right angels to your cause and communicate your value proposition
• how to structure your pitch, and,
• how to forge mutually-beneficial relationships with your angels over the long haul.

You'll hear directly from seasoned angel investors about their experiences in finding, funding, and supporting startups, as well as from an entrepreneur who built a company with the help of angels.

Expect a lively discussion about the realities of securing angel funding and managing the evolving relationship between founders and funders as the enterprise grows. With plenty of time for your questions and breakouts so you can get to know the Founders Over 55 community and meet potential collaborators!

Speakers

Anita Brearton, Founder/CEO, CabinetM, to simplify the complexity of marketing in today's digital universe. As well as, Managing Director, Golden Seeds investment group with a focus on women leaders (2007-present), and Vice Chairman of the Board at MassVentures (2011 – Present) to meet critical capital needs in the Massachusetts innovation economy, providing seed and early-stage venture funding to high growth startups as they move from concept to commercialization.

Detlef Rethage, a deeply experienced science enterprise executive who works with startups as an investing member of Launchpad Venture Group LLC that invests financial and human capital in Greater Boston startups, and MassChallenge, a global startup accelerator. He is also an advisor to Brightwood Capital LLC NY.

Tim Ericson, founder and Chief Business Officer of Zagster, the leading alternative transportation micro-mobility management company. Named as one of Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Tim raised over $40M in venture capital across multiple investment rounds, grew Zagster to $10M in annual revenue, and lead the company through a successful exit.

Hosted by Danielle D. Duplin, cofounder, AGENCY: Worldwide Innovation for Living Longer and Aging Better

In partnership with Venture Cafe Cambridge.

About the Founders Over 55+ Club

The Founders Over 55+ Club is a collegial community of company founders in their encore careers. We start and build thriving businesses where our age and lifelong experiences are an asset. We share best practices for success, celebrate each others professional and personal journeys, and champion an age-friendly business ecosystem. F55+ is an inclusive member-led club that welcomes entrepreneurs of ALL ages, stages, and backgrounds.

Join the F55+ Club to share ideas, raise issues, and connect with peers who are puzzling over key questions like:

• What motivates founders over 55? . . . is it all about the money? the life-purpose? the intellectual, creative and social engagement? mutual learning with the next generation(s)?

• What drives the success of our ventures? . . . is it lifelong experience and wisdom? renewed curiosity? blending the old with the new?

• What resources are most valuable/needed? . . . access to capital, markets, and partners? alternative sources of funding for encore founders who don't "fit" the typical VC profile? tips for engaging multi-generational teams?

• What are the practical challenges and best-practices? . . . balancing a healthy lifestyle with the rigorous demands of running a successful business in today's hyper-competitive climate? balancing accumulated wealth with the risk of starting something new? getting visibility in the ecosystem? strategies to combat ageism bias ??

The F55+ Club is an initiative of AGENCY: Worldwide Innovation for Living Longer and Aging Better. AGENCY is equal parts coworking at CIC, programming, and an international community of innovators to make the aging journey better for all. Send us a note at helloagency@cic.com to get involved!