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Oli from Fuel Ventures unpacks the firm's investment strategy across their pre-seed and seed funds, sharing his personal "Venture Playbook" that guides their decision-making process. He reveals counterintuitive insights about founder profiles and what makes a business truly "VC-able" in today's funding landscape.

• Fuel Ventures operates two vehicles: a pre-seed fund (30-40 deals yearly at £250k max) and their flagship seed fund (10-12 deals yearly at £1-2.5 million)
• Their investment remit covers marketplaces, platforms and SaaS model businesses across B2B and B2C sectors
• Oli's "Venture Playbook" includes eight rules developed through investment experience, including avoiding "mediocre founders with good ideas" and requiring total founder commitment
• Previously successful founders often make better investments as they can take bigger risks without worrying about basic financial security
• Fuel Ventures prefers observation rights over board seats to better allocate resources across their portfolio
• Not all businesses are "VC-able" - venture funding requires potential for £50-100M+ in annual revenue and comfort with burning capital
• Different funding sources (angels, corporate ventures, VCs) have fundamentally different expectations and criteria for investment

Know what you're trying to achieve before approaching investors. Save yourself time and effort by understanding if your business truly matches what VCs are looking for or if another funding path might be more appropriate.

Virtual Incubation at Canopy
Virtual Incubation for new and emerging Founders. Zero to One.

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Find and connect with angel investors in the UK

Founded by Rob Cossins

Revolut
Business banking from Revolut

SeedLegals
The platform for Startup Legals including SEIS Advance Assurance.

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Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

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Cintia, CEO of Core Angels, shares insights into how angel investing communities can democratize early-stage investing while providing powerful frameworks for investment decisions.

• Core Angels operates 14 angel funds where investors pool capital and make collective decisions about startup investments
• Their book "Angel Investing Explained" aims to break down misconceptions and bring more women into angel investing
• Women investors typically gather comprehensive information before investing while men often learn through direct experience
• When evaluating startups, the market potential and founding team quality are the two most critical factors
• Team dynamics must be complementary with clear distribution of responsibilities across technology, sales, and product
• AI is enabling founders to accomplish more with smaller teams but human judgment remains essential
• Secondary cities offer promising startup ecosystems with potentially more reasonable valuations
• Entrepreneurship serves as a powerful tool for social mobility and regional development
• Education is evolving toward experiential learning and human-centric capabilities
• First-time founders should carefully consider whether external investment aligns with their goals

Connect with Cintia to learn more about angel investing and Core Angels' community approach to early-stage funding.

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Community Membership at Canopy

Virtual Incubation at Canopy
Virtual Incubation for new and emerging Founders. Zero to One.

Scribe
Find and connect with angel investors in the UK

Founded by Rob Cossins

Revolut
Business banking from Revolut

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

Send us a text

Ben Cooper, co-founder of Angel Investors Bristol and director of Tech Southwest, shares insights on building the largest angel investment network in Southwest England and redirecting capital to support regional tech innovation.

• Angel Investors Bristol formed in 2023, now has 150 members and has completed 10 investments
• The group receives 30-40 investment applications monthly but can only fund about two companies
• Current market conditions have shifted investments toward later-stage companies with existing revenue
• Average investments range from £50,000 to £200,000 at valuations of around £3-4 million
• 85% of angel investment from Southwest investors currently goes to companies outside the region
• Key investment criteria include market opportunity and strength of founding team
• New angel networks are launching across the Southwest including North Devon, Cornwall, and Cheltenham
• Founders need commercial capabilities alongside technical skills to be successful
• Self-awareness about personal limitations and team gaps is critical for startup success

To apply for funding, visit www.angelinvestorsbristol.co.uk and follow the application process through the founders page.

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Community Membership at Canopy

Scribe
Find and connect with angel investors in the UK

Founded by Rob Cossins

Virtual Incubation at Canopy
Virtual Incubation for new and emerging Founders. Zero to One.

Revolut
Business banking from Revolut

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

Send us a text

Drew Ellis joins us from South Devon to share his entrepreneurial journey from designing iconic album covers for stars like Radiohead and Pink Floyd to running Eye to Eye Capital, a funding firm focused on projects aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

• Started as an art student working with Hypnosis, the famous design company behind Dark Side of the Moon
• Founded Icon, a record sleeve design agency with clients including Robert Plant, David Gilmour, and ABBA
• Sold his first business in 1989 to a UK print company looking for creative capabilities 
• Left corporate life after his board responded to his internet proposal with "the internet's a fad"
• Now runs Eye to Eye Capital, providing debt funding for sustainable projects
• Works with philanthropic funds offering 10-year interest-free loans that convert to grants
• Personal investment philosophy centers on understanding the product and trusting the people involved
• Currently considering investing in a South Devon rum company
• Key advice for founders: build resilience gradually and research potential investors carefully
• Emphasizes the importance of the founder-investor relationship: "You've got to like them"

#TRIBE
Community Membership at Canopy

Virtual Incubation at Canopy
Virtual Incubation for new and emerging Founders. Zero to One.

Scribe
Find and connect with angel investors in the UK

Founded by Rob Cossins

Revolut
Business banking from Revolut

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

Send us a text

Renato shares his journey as an investor in the clean energy space, bringing his unique perspective from corporate venture capital, pan-European investment, and angel investing experiences.

• Background in engineering with over 10 years in clean energy investment
• Energy sector facing multiple challenges: decarbonization, affordability, reliability, and availability
• Team importance varies by stage - critical in early stages, less dominant as companies mature
• Different investment vehicles require different approaches but always treated with the same ownership mentality
• Energy investments more challenging due to physical nature - "electrons and molecules are not bytes"
• Building trust requires putting yourself in others' shoes and understanding their position
• Successful exits require careful investor selection and managing expectations about potential failures
• Best advice for first-time founders: balance incorporating feedback while staying true to your vision

#TRIBE
Community Membership at Canopy

Virtual Incubation at Canopy
Virtual Incubation for new and emerging Founders. Zero to One.

Scribe
Find and connect with angel investors in the UK

Founded by Rob Cossins

Revolut
Business banking from Revolut

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

Send us a text

Marwa shares her unique perspective as both a former founder and current investment analyst at Hatch VC, providing insider insights into what early-stage investors truly look for in B2B SaaS startups.

• Hatch VC backs B2B SaaS startups at SEIS and EIS stages, founded by successful entrepreneurs who've exited multiple businesses
• 72% of Hatch's portfolio companies successfully raise follow-on funding
• Three key criteria: founders solving deep pains, clearly defined customer personas, and experienced teams with industry knowledge
• Evidence trumps talk - successful founders provide proof of traction through signed contracts, POCs, and quantifiable metrics
• Multi-founder teams outperform solo founders who often struggle with burnout and lack of distributed responsibilities
• First-time founders should recognize investors back the person as much as the idea
• View investor meetings as learning opportunities, not just funding pitches
• Building the right community of advisors, co-founders and supporters is crucial for the entrepreneurial journey

If you're building a B2B SaaS startup and looking for investment, connect with Marwa at Hatch VC to explore how they partner with founders to scale from zero to over a million in ARR.

#TRIBE
Community Membership at Canopy

Virtual Incubation at Canopy
Virtual Incubation for new and emerging Founders. Zero to One.

Scribe
Find and connect with angel investors in the UK

Founded by Rob Cossins

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

Want to demystify the world of early-stage investments? Promise no more: this episode unpacks the labyrinth of SEIS and EIS tax relief and early-stage tech investment as we sit with Ed, an Investment Manager at SFC Capital. A fund that's not afraid to make bold moves, SFC Capital specializes in supporting startups from a variety of sectors, closing deals with the speed of a cheetah, and even offering follow-on funding to a select 10% of their portfolio companies each year.

Dive headfirst into the discussion as we uncover the secret sauce that makes or breaks an application at SFC Capital. How does their scoring system work? What does the ideal candidate look like? Ed shares his valuable insights on the key factors that influence SFC Capital's investment decisions - from the importance of a solid team composition to a steadfast commitment to the business and well-researched market analysis. We also get a peek into Ed's journey into investment, his personal criteria for choosing businesses to bank on, and his knack for spotting successful founders.

But it's not all about the start - what happens when it's time to make the shift from the initial stages to the later ones? We discuss the challenges of navigating late-stage investor expectations, the crucial need for a viable business model, and the undeniable importance of cash flow for success. Get a word of advice or two about early-stage investment strategies and tips, and learn about the thrill of finding the right investors, the role of luck in investment success, and the time it takes for returns to materialize. We also touch upon exciting developments in the space, including the potential of a secondary market to turbocharge investment and a novel fund designed to provide liquidity for founders. Time to sharpen your investment acumen with insights straight from the horse's mouth - tune in now!

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In supporting this podcast we thank our partners and sponsors. Check them out here https://linktr.ee/canopy_partners We like their stuff and hope you will to.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

EP06 - Unveiling the Mechanisms of Angel Funding with Rui Falcao of Core Angels 

Ever wondered how angel funds operate and what part they play in startup investments? We're peeling back the layers on just that with our guest, Rui Falcao from Core Angels. Brace yourself for an intriguing exploration of the group's unique selection process, the crucial role of the Archangel group, and the significance of personality fit in investment choices. Listen in as Rui shares insights into the collective intellect and decision-making process within the investment committee, a strategy that helps to keep personality clashes at bay.

As we move on, you'll be captivated by the story of one of Core Angels' Godfathers. His entrepreneurial journey is packed with lessons and experiences that have shaped his understanding of entrepreneurship. We also delve into the impact of the Web Summit on Portugal, stirring up its entrepreneurial culture in meaningful ways. The episode wraps up with a focus on first-time founders, emphasizing the need to create personal meaning and offering valuable insights for both entrepreneurs and investors. We're joined by Stewart, the leader of the Canopy Community, whose knowledge and insights are a treasure trove for those in the entrepreneurial world. Buckle in for an episode full of revelations and wisdom.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity

In supporting this podcast we thank our partners and sponsors. Check them out here https://linktr.ee/canopy_partners We like their stuff and hope you will to.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

EP05 - Demystifying SPAC Investing with Securities Expert Julia Areyh

Join us as we traverse the intricate world of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) with Julia Areyh, a skilled securities attorney. Julia breaks down the complex landscape of these shell companies, which have become a preferred and cost-effective route for companies desiring to enter the US markets. Get an insider's perspective on the SPAC merger process and understand how investing in these entities guarantees a minimum return. 

Our conversation then shifts gears to focus on the SPAC process and the redemption intricacies, which have a considerable impact on the public company’s value. Julia underscores the significance of having current accounting information for companies planning their entrance into the US market via a SPAC. She also sheds light on the advantages of becoming a public company. 

The episode concludes on an inspirational note as Julia shares her journey of returning to the legal field after a hiatus and her experience with the dynamic SPAC landscape. She underscores the necessity of being open to opportunities and refraining from self-imposed limitations. Drawing on her vast experience, Julia offers practical advice to first-time founders looking for funding - take measured steps, utilize resources smartly, and explore various funding options beyond SPAC acquisitions. Tune in for priceless insights from Julia's vast experience in the field.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity

In supporting this podcast we thank our partners and sponsors. Check them out here https://linktr.ee/canopy_partners We like their stuff and hope you will to.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617

EP04 - The New Wave of Investment: A Conversation with Ollie from Resonance

Are you ready to challenge traditional investment models and make a genuine difference? This episode is a must-listen, as we welcome Ollie from Resonance, a trailblazing Community Development Finance Institution based in the UK. We explore their unique approach to impact investing, providing growth-stage capital to social enterprises in the Southwest, West Midlands, and Northwest of England. Their portfolio ranges from ventures addressing economic inequality to enterprises focused on health, well-being, and the transition to net zero. Their investment model is unique, including unsecured loans, revenue shares, and a hint of natural equity.

We take you beneath the surface of social impact investing, dissecting the financial considerations and potential returns. Traditional methods of capturing value may not be the norm in this sphere, but it doesn't mean returns are unattainable. We discuss the intriguing concept of earning impact returns and explore tax relief schemes like the Social Investment Tax Relief and Community Investment Tax Relief. Ollie shares invaluable insights from his journey, revealing how it's shaped his perspective on the potential and power of aligning capital with our deepest social and environmental values.

Finally, we delve into the evolution of social and impact investing, spotlighting the significant strides made in the UK. The environment serves as a catalyst, and pension funds are stepping up, recognizing their responsibility extends beyond financial accumulation. Ollie imparts valuable advice for budding founders, underlining the impact of passion on social and environmental entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn how you can align your investments with your values and make a tangible difference in your community and beyond.

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/CanopyCommunity

In supporting this podcast we thank our partners and sponsors. Check them out here https://linktr.ee/canopy_partners We like their stuff and hope you will to.

Note: you can also watch these episodes on youtube.com/@canopycommunity617