Business Report
Innovation Catalyst’s Louis M. Freeman and NO/LA Angel Network chairman Mike Eckert will lead a discussion examining the business of investing and angel capital in Louisiana at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s monthly luncheon on Tuesday.
The luncheon titled “The Business of Investing: Angel Capital in Louisiana” will examine two approaches to early stage funding. The lunch will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd.
Freeman and Eckert will discuss access to capital and deal flow in the Baton Rouge area. BRAC says angel investment—financial support by private wealthy individuals—can help launch startups and is important to high-growth businesses that need to scale very quickly.
“After family, friends, and credit cards, angel investors are often the first dollars a new company or entrepreneur can secure to launch their new business idea,” the chamber says. “Banks won’t typically lend to startups, so angel investors can make it possible for a new business to get started. The entrepreneur can also get valuable mentoring and business advice from angels.”
There are many advantages to angel investing, the chamber says. Investors have the security of more eyes looking at deal. Angel investors also are less reactive to economic downtowns and are less risk-averse than traditional lenders.
“They tend to continue investing when other capital providers slow down due to market conditions,” BRAC says.
The financing concept has taken off in Louisiana in recent years. The NO/LA Angel Network as of January had roughly 120 members including some from Baton Rouge. BRAC is holding recruitment events to establish a local angel network chapter. Angel investment in the United States was estimated to be about $24 billion in 2014, BRAC says.
The cost attend the monthly luncheon is $20 for BRAC investors; $30 for guests. Get complete event details and register to attend.