105- Investing programs from University Alumni – Shane Kelly

FINANCE FOR STARTUPS: EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS TO LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL STARTUPS

In this audio episode, we deliver a repurposed episode from Angel Connect podcast show, where Hall Martin interviews SHANE KELLY,
the Executive Director of the WOLVERINE ANGEL NETWORK.

The theme of this discussion centers around the area of
connecting the University of Michigan alumni for investment
opportunities.

As you may know, this educational institution has had one of
the largest CONSISTENT student bodies in size — between
35,000 to 40,000. And, as such, it has one of the largest
alumni pools (some 500,000) of the “elite” universities
in the US — in fact, he mentions that it is one of the
largest living alumni base.

This allows for the “SCALING” process to help grow the
investor base (e.g., 10,000 alumni in Los Angeles alone).

In fact, the first investor chapter was launched in Los Angeles,
California, which is Shane’s location.

As you will hear in this audio episode, Shane describes his
CONNECTIONS for Startup World via alumni with a network
of interested investors. Using EVENTS to gather alumni together
is what helps foster the spirit of the Startups and Entrepreneurs
who wish to enter the business world — and they can do so
via Angel Investments with Shane’s program.

Shane also describes how his own PERSONAL NETWORK
was key to expand his reach to interested Startup investors.

During the interview, Hall Martin asks for Shane to explain
any differences between this Angel Group and network
based inside the University and others.

Shane describes the tremendous access to student Entrepreneurs and
the University resources. But, however, he also states that there are rules and guidelines that must be followed, especially where the University branding is
involved. In this way, the University model Angel Network is not like an independent brand (e.g., “Rubicon”).

Hall Martin then investigates the network funding model that is used. Shane describes this and the investment process that brings a COMPETITIVE benefit to this Network — SPEED.

Finally, Hall Martin inquires as to how Shane’s program will be moving into Crowdfunding. It is interesting to see the thought process and decisions about the timing and how to proceed.

For more information about the Angel Investment Programs, you may select these links:

www.wolverineangels.com (this is the NETWORKING piece);

www.bighouse.vc.com (this is the FUNDING site).

For further information about Shane, you may go to this link:

https://www.linkedIn.com/in/shanekellymg

========

Select this link to listen to the audio episode in another window.

Copyright (c) 2015, Hall Martin of Angel Connect Podcast
at www.angelconnect.info and Shane Kelly of
www.wolverineangels.com. All rights reserved.