At Angel Club, we don’t just focus on funding—we focus on relationships. Relationships with founders, investors, and advisors that can truly shape and accelerate growth. Our recent Virtual Lunch was a masterclass in authentic connections, fundraising, and navigating the complexities of early-stage entrepreneurship. Here’s a recap that we hope will inform and inspire founders and investors alike.
Investors Are More Than ATMs
During the session, Angel Gambino, seasoned investor, entrepreneur, and investment banking advisor reminded us that investors aren’t just check-writers—they’re people. “The best relationships with investors aren’t transactional,” Angel said. “They’re partnerships.”
Key takeaway: Founders should prioritize getting to know investors as people—their values, areas of expertise, and how they can provide support beyond capital preferably well before commencing a fundraising process. When investors are treated as collaborators, their involvement often extends far beyond money to open doors, provide strategic guidance, and help weather challenges. When investors are emotionally committed to the team, they will take the extra steps beyond check writing to make the startup a success story they can brag about at their next investor dinner.
Navigating Fundraising: Quality Over Quantity
Gady Nemirovsky, a venture capitalist at Inspiration VC with a track record of high-growth exits, shared his approach to identifying the right founders and building lasting partnerships. His philosophy? “Failure is not an option” DNA. He emphasized the importance of resilience and grit in founders, noting that even the most successful companies face “near-death moments” multiple times.
Pro tip for founders: When pitching investors, focus on what you will achieve with their money—not just what you’ll spend it on. Investors want to hear about the milestones their investment will unlock, such as customer acquisition, product development, or revenue growth. Paint a clear picture of your future success.
Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Success
Both Angel and Gady underscored the importance of trust in the founder-investor relationship. Gady put it succinctly: “Founders, don’t manage your investors—give us the straight story. We’re here to help, but we need to know the challenges you’re facing to do so.”
For investors: Trust is a two-way street. Being a great investor means knowing when to step in and when to step back. It’s about being a thought partner and a supporter without micromanaging. As Angel said, “Every conversation should further trust.”
Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability
One of the standout moments was Gady’s story about backing a startup that pivoted from podcasting to short-form messaging—and eventually became Twitter. His advice? Look for founders who are passionate about solving a problem, not wedded to a single solution. Markets shift, customer needs evolve, and successful startups adapt quickly.
Angel Club: A Hub for Connection and Growth
Angel shared the mission behind Angel Club: to create economic equity and mobility through entrepreneurship. By connecting angel investors with passionate founders, the club fosters a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and growth.
What Angel Club offers:
Matchmaking: Connecting founders with the right investors, advisors, and mentors.
Group and 1:1 coaching sessions: Access to legal, financial, and operational experts.
Community: A supportive network where founders share insights and introductions.
Resources Library: Curated playbooks, templates, offers, and content.
Applications for Angel Club’s next cohort are now open. With only 10 spots available and currently oversubscribed, the focus is on creating meaningful relationships that drive results. If you’re ready to level up to hit the next goal in your startup journey, now is the time to apply. Apply here now!
Take Action
Whether you’re a founder seeking funding or an investor looking to back the next big idea, the insights shared during this Virtual Lunch highlight one universal truth: relationships are at the heart of success.
Ready to build meaningful connections and scale your impact? Join the Angel Club Community and unlock access to mentorship, resources, and a network that’s as ambitious as you are.
Apply now and let’s create something extraordinary together. 💡
Stay Curious, Stay Connected. Follow Angel Club on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on upcoming events and register for our next Founders Virtual Lunch on December 13th at noon Pacific here!
Comments