There is
no charge to upload your company information to AVF. There is, however, a $100 non-refundable fee required
with each non-sponsored application to the AVF Showcase - but only AFTER you commit to applying. For that fee, applicants apply to be amongst the 25 finalist companies to present before angel investors in
several different venues including the Angel Venture Forum. And, you receive feedback on your submission.
You may
still submit your company profile and our investors will review them. However, due to the volume of profiles we receive, economics
dictates that we can only guarantee a timely review for those who pay the requested application fee or are referred by one
of our sponsors.
Submit an application. Once you officially apply you
will be contacted for payment information which will confirm your participation. PLEASE NOTE: You are not committed to applying to AVF until your payment is received. However,
please note that those who apply and complete payment will be given first priority.
Q: Why does AVF Charge?
AVF charges a small fee of $100 to non-vetted or sponsored comapnies because
selection includes one-on-one review and presentation assistance, networking opportunities with our investors and mentors,
participation in training and education programs which includes information on how to present your company in a way that will
generate the most success, especially from us.
Additional
thoughts to consider:
* AVF fees are designed to cover
basic costs of programs and to support the entrepreneurial environment in the region.
* Since everyone pitches in - including the investors - the costs are kept affordable to all.
* There is no other venue that enables applicants to be seen by as many angel
investors and representatives of angel groups in one place and over such a short period of time both online and in person
and across several events.
* An application cost of $100
comes nowhere near the cost of putting on one of these programs. It simply helps us defray some costs.
* We are angel investors - not venture
capitalists. We spend our own money investing in companies, and spend a lot more of our money doing this than most companies
will ever realize.
* We could easily be retired
and playing golf or go sailing somewhere!
Q: How do companies get selected?
AVF-DC is very selective
and accepts less than 10% of the companies we see into each program. The principals of AVF collectively review more than 1,000
business plans over each year. Companies get selected when at least one of our investors or investor group representatives
is willing to invest or willing to be the due diligence lead. Sometimes very good companies may not get invited back but that
is not becuase we think they are a good or a bad company, it may simply mean that we don't have anyone in our group who is
interested. If we don't think we can assemble enough interest, we are clear about it.
Q: What kind of companies should apply?
All types and stages of companies
are accepted. However, some of the traits which increase our interest and will endear angel investors to your company are
as follows:
- Emerging growth companies seeking first of early round of funding totalling less than $3 million
- Buyouts and acquisitions under $3 Million
- While actual current revenue is quite attractive, we do express interest in pre-revenue companies
if many other factors are attractive
- High growth
potential, e.g. expected ROI to be at least 30% or ideally greater than 5-7 times the investment with projected exit in 3-5
years.
- Experienced, strong, cooperative management
team in place with sales experience in the targeted market segments.
- Well-defined and analyzed segmented market which is large or fast growing.
- Clear marketing plan including details on distribution channels, positioning, marketing, promotion,
and sales.
- Clear and detailed competitor analysis and
unique selling proposition.
- Understandable proprietary
technology. Patents are nice .... but the ability to defend them is nicer!
- Impressive milestones
- Significant investment
by management and controlling owners. We like to see that you have skin in your own game!
- High quality outside advisors and early investors.
- Clear plan for "Use of Funds"
- Reasonable,
justifiable valuation. We are open to outragously high valuations as long as you can explain why!
Q: What does your application fee get
you?
As part of the Angel Venture Fair's
dedication to providing education, training and networking opportunities to the many entrepreneurs who come through our doors,
we offer a wide variety of programs and networking sessions which are geared to help companies be most prepared for the process
of raising capital from angel investors and gives companies the opportunity to find angel investors to help them build their
companies. The more angels you meet, the more prepared you will be.
All applicant plans will be reviewed by active angel investors and active angel investor group leaders
only.
Q: Who reviews the companies
and how does it work?
The only opinions
which count to us are those of our colleagues who are prepared to invest. Once you submit your contact information, you
will be directed to the application process through a software application which will enable you to submit a one page application
but also to upload your business plan or any additional documents or alternative media that you feel would be important to
our investors in the selection process. After submitting a written application to AVF, up to 50 companies will
be selected to deliver a short presentation and elevator pitch at a selection day to be determined.
To apply, click the Angel Forum icon below.
Q: What does
AVF-DC offer to Entrepreneurs?
- Exposure
to various active angel investors and investor groups from across the region.
- Instructive programs to help companies connect with investors and business advisors trusted by the
investment community to aid in their success.
- Opportunitites
to present and receive valuable feedback directly from those who invest.
- Possible selection for a presentation slot at the Angel Venture Forum which attracts a broader audience of
investors.