"It's Not Just About the Deal" — How Angel Club's Virtual Lunches Are Transforming Founder-Investor Relationships
- Angel Gambino
- May 13
- 3 min read
Updated: May 19
Inside Our Latest Session with Mike Sherbakov, Veteran Fund GP & Angel Club Mentor
"At Angel Club, we aim for genuine, authentic relationships where we truly champion and support one another. It's not just transactional; it's about becoming advocates and allies." — Angel Gambino, Angel Club Founder
The Power of Connection: Beyond Traditional Networking
In the often transaction-focused world of startup investing, Angel Club's monthly Founders Virtual Lunch events stand apart. These gatherings aren't your typical pitch sessions or networking events—they're curated spaces where authentic relationships flourish between founders, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Our recent session demonstrated exactly why these lunches have become essential calendar fixtures for our community. With over 50 ambitious founders joining us, the energy was palpable even through the virtual format.
Meet Mike Sherbakov: From Founder to Veteran Fund GP
This month's featured guest, Mike Sherbakov—co-founder and General Partner of The Veteran Fund—captivated attendees with his remarkable journey from entrepreneur to venture capitalist.
What makes Mike's perspective particularly valuable is his dual experience on both sides of the fundraising table:
"I got into venture investing after experiencing successes and failures as a founder. What I've learned is that investing is not just about the business opportunity—it's about believing in the person behind the idea. Trust and integrity matter deeply."
Key Insights: Building Investor Relationships That Last
Mike shared several actionable strategies that resonated deeply with attendees:
1. Consistency Builds Trust
"Integrity is everything. Do what you say you're going to do," Mike advised, sharing the story of Aerofuse, a startup that earned his investment through consistent updates and transparent communication.
2. The Transparency Advantage
Angel Gambino reinforced this approach: "Founders who regularly share updates, milestones, and even setbacks are the ones who build lasting relationships with investors."
3. Values-Based Investing
Mike's investment philosophy centers on "leadership, resilience, and purpose"—qualities he developed during his military service and now seeks in founders.
The Angel Club Difference: Community in Action
What sets our Virtual Lunches apart isn't just the featured speakers—it's the community participation. Throughout the session:
Founders asked nuanced questions about investor expectations
Experienced entrepreneurs shared personal strategies for maintaining investor relationships
Angel investors offered their perspective on what communication styles they value most
Practical advice flowed freely between all participants
Meet Our Partner: Mercury Banking
We proudly highlighted Mercury as our valued partner during this session. Their banking services are specifically designed for startups and entrepreneurs, offering:
Fee-free business banking tailored to startup needs
Simplified international payments
Robust API for financial integrations
Dedicated customer support for Angel Club members
Email our dedicated support team at Mercury →
Learn more about Mercury →
What Our Attendees Are Saying
The impact of our Virtual Lunches is best captured in the words of our participants:
"Angel Club's events always leave me feeling more informed and connected. These lunches are invaluable!" — Ella, Tech Founder
"Mike's insights into building trust and authenticity were exactly what I needed as I prepare for my next investor pitch." — Abby, Startup CEO
Access Expert Mentorship Through Angel Club
Mike Sherbakov isn't just a guest speaker—he's one of our valued Angel Club mentors, highlighting the caliber of expertise available to our members.
Our mentorship program connects founders with experts across critical domains:
Mentor Type | How They Help Members |
Product Experts | Refine product-market fit, optimize user experience |
Legal Advisors | Navigate compliance, IP protection, fundraising legalities |
Go-to-Market Specialists | Design customer acquisition strategies, optimize sales funnels |
Domain Experts | Provide industry-specific insights and connections |
Join Our Community of Founders and Investors
As Angel Gambino emphasized after our event:
"We strive to make our community a place where everyone can find the support they need to thrive—not just as entrepreneurs, but as human beings."
Don't Miss Our Next Virtual Lunch!
🗓️ Date: June 15, 2025 🎙️ Featured Guest: To be announced soon 🎟️ Registration: Open to founders, entrepreneurs, and investors
Ready to experience the Angel Club difference?
Or explore our full membership benefits to access personalized mentorship, detailed deal memos, and targeted investor introductions.
Angel Club: Where Authentic Connections Drive Entrepreneurial Success
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