Entrepreneur FAQ's

Entrepreneur FAQ

What is the New England Investment Network?
The New England Investment Network is an online platform designed to connect entrepreneurs (looking for growth or start-up capital) and angel investors (looking for investment opportunities). The New England Investment Network is unique in that it offers a local, national and global platform with partner networks across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. The New England Investment Network is continually growing, developing and updating its extensive database of angel investors.

What is an Angel Investor?
Originally, the term "angel" was coined to refer to the people who financed Broadway plays when all else failed. Today this term has become common within the investment community to refer to a high net-worth individual that invests their own personal funds in various businesses. In the US, it is estimated that there are well over 200,000 potential angel investors that annually invest approximately $3 billion in US businesses and currently own over $12 billion in existing equity. This represents roughly 7% of what the banks are investing. Statistics also show that this figure trumps that of venture capital lending. The US labor market and productivity centre estimates that angel investments have financed approximately twice as many firms as any other form of external equity investment, including institutional venture capital.

Who is a typical Angel Investor?
Angel investors are often retired entrepreneurs or executives, who may be interested in angel investing for reasons that go beyond pure monetary return. These include wanting to keep abreast of current developments in a particular business arena, mentoring another generation of entrepreneurs, and making use of their experience and networks on a less-than-full-time basis. Thus, in addition to funds, angel investors can often provide valuable management advice and important contacts.

What is the difference between an Angel Investor and a Venture Capital firm?
Angels make their own decisions as opposed to a board or group of people making a decision for investors that have pooled money together. Angels tend to be more involved in the businesses that they invest in and provide assistance in ways that venture capital firms do not. Angels typically do not own as large a stake in the company as a venture capital firm would. Another benefit of being an angel investor is the reception of certain tax incentives from investing in US controlled small businesses.

How do I know if my proposal has been received?
You will know that your proposal has been received if it appears in the list of "Active Proposals" in your member's area. If there are no proposals in your member's area then you will need to resubmit your proposal. Always write your proposal in another programme and cut and paste to avoid the page timing out.

How much does it cost?
More information can be found on Our Rates Page.

Why isn’t it free of charge?
Many people have asked us why we charge entrepreneurs for the service. Firstly we are running a commercial enterprise and don’t get any public funding, so we need to cover our admin and promotion costs, pay staff to check your submission and pay for the upkeep of the website. Secondly we are providing a valuable service to the entrepreneurs who need the much needed to support to get their ideas in front of investors. To set up a serious business with outside funding you do need to be prepared to spend some money. The fee is very low compared to other companies in the industry who will often charge around 5% of the amount you wish to borrow.

Do I have to pay for every contact?
No, the Express, Express Plus and Global Express Plus packages all give you to access to the contact details of ALL the investors who wish to contact you. Your proposal remains active for 90 days and all investor contacts are included in this period. You do not need to pay for each contact.

Why don’t you take a success fee instead?
If you think of Angel Investment Network as the funding equivalent of an online dating agency it makes more sense. You wouldn’t expect a dating agency to only get paid if and when you marry the partner you found on their site. They wouldn’t be able to find you or know you were getting married without employing a private detective! Likewise we can’t hope to individually track everyone who enters their idea over the internet. Often all we have is an email address for you. Plus we have no control over how good your idea is and therefore your likelihood of finding an Angel. There may be a few Angel groups who don’t charge upfront, but they heavily screen incoming ideas and reject about 90% of them, which means most people are left without a chance of connecting with Angels.

Why isn’t my proposal appearing in the list of recent proposals?
If you have just submitted your proposal, it is probably because we haven’t approved it yet. We have to read and activate each proposal before it is released to the investors. Alternatively it may be because you have just edited your proposal, which means that it is removed from the system until we reapprove it.

Does my company have to be established?
No, we accept projects at every stage of development – from ideas to start-up companies to mature businesses. Even if your project is still an idea, it could still be of interest to the investors. They might even have the relevant knowhow and expertise to get the ball rolling.

Is there a maximum/minimum investment?
No, our investors are interested in projects ranging from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Are the contact requests automated?
No, all the contact requests you receive are from investors who have read your investment proposal and decided they want to discuss your project in more detail.

Who are the investors on this website?
The investors on our website have been compiled from databases of angel investors, company directors and private investment groups. They also include individual investors who have registered in the hope of finding investment opportunities. Our database is continually expanding with new investors looking to invest in companies like yours.

How much information should I include in my proposal?
If you are worried about confidentiality we would advise you not to give away too many details in your proposal. Try and write enough to get the investors interested in your project without revealing the key ideas. In the "Useful Documents" page of our "Get Investor Ready" section, you will find a free NDA document, which you can get all the potential investors to sign before presenting your idea in full.

How is my privacy protected?
The site was developed using proprietary database management tools and a secure server is used to assure that no one sees your business or personal information. Your information is not offered to any third party for any purposes and is guaranteed to be kept confidential and private.

Why should I use this service?
As an entrepreneur, you are already aware of the growing resistance of banks in the US to finance small business. It is virtually impossible to obtain financing without having secured assets, providing personal guarantees etc. Angel investors are the logical source to provide financing to small businesses. With $1 billion invested annually in the US and growing all the time, the main obstacle is locating and presenting your idea to this large group of investors. The New England Investment Network allows an entrepreneur to:
a) Find a source of capital.
b) Find an experienced investor that can provide guidance and support.
c) Make it all come together in a fast and efficient way.

How will I attract the attention of potential investors?
When dealing with an angel investor, at the very least your proposal should address the following:
- How much money do you need?
- Why do you need it?
- When do you need it?
- What are you willing to give up to get it?
- When and how can you pay it back?
Investors need your answers to these questions before they will even consider helping you. They are not looking for "pipe dreams" or unprofessional sounding proposals. They expect a reasonably sound business plan as well as an understanding from entrepreneurs that an investor is not going to just blindly hand over significant sums of money with no strings attached whatsoever. They may be angels but there are limits to what they are prepared to do.

How can I pay if I don't have a credit card?
If you are unable to or feel uncomfortable using a credit card, you can pay by PayPal, MoneyBookers or bank transfer.

Why am I being asked to pay again?
You have to pay the Express, Express Plus or Global Express Plus Fee for every proposal you submit.

Due Diligence
Please be aware that after the initial match has been made it is the entrepreneur's responsibility to carry out diligence on the investor. Please inform us of any suspicious behaviour.

I have other questions. Who do I contact?
Contact us by email: admin@newenglandinvestmentnetwork.com

United States > Connecticut

$25,000 to $100,000

January 30, 2012

Interested in telecom based businesses.

United States > Texas

$50,000 to $200,000

January 27, 2012

Competent Management Accountant with proficient & funding advisory familiarity with one of the Big 4. Educated to PhD level with over 20 years of experience including as a non-executive and extensive international experience in business development and management

United States > Connecticut

$25,000 to $10,000,000

January 22, 2012

46 years old, married, living in Connecticut. Graduated Syracuse University 1987 BS Operations Management. Currently own and operate portfolio of multi-family and commercial property assets, chain of laundromats, plumbing company and commercial finance business. Over 20 years hands on experience starting and operating successful small businesses. My partners have similar investment and operations experience. Combined we've started over 30 successul compannies. Our strategy is to locate start up and existing buisinesses that need help financially and/or from an advisory position. We look to help position or reposition for accelerated growth and profitability.

United States > New York

$5,000 to $50,000

January 18, 2012

I am an individual investor with over 50 years of project management experience in the commercial floor covering industry. I am currently seeking to invest in a commercial floor covering company or related company and also provide hands-on support when required.

United States > Massachusetts

$25,000 to $200,000

January 16, 2012

- Former CEO, CTO and founder. - Brought companies to successful exit. - Experienced software veteran in enterprise and consumer technologies. - Individual investor. - Willing to be advisor.

United States > Texas

$1,000 to $100,000

January 13, 2012

Telecom

United States > Connecticut

$0 to $50,000

December 31, 2011

I'm a mechanical engineer with 14 years of experience in the aerospace industry. I also have an MBA from a top 5 business school.

United States > Massachusetts

$1,000,000 to $10,000,000

December 28, 2011

I'm a Boston MA based professional with a accounting degree from Bentley University. I'm married and have three boys. I have extensive experience in wholesale/retial, and consumer goods background. I have a good amount of investment knowledge in stock market and some angel investments. I have a passion for high tech & service oriented companies with global appeal. I'm looking for my ground floor oppurtunity to invest in next big idea. I can be a passive as well active investor with hands on responsibility. I truely believe in people and their credentials.

United States > New Hampshire

$1,000 to $75,000

December 14, 2011

Helped grow two industrial product manufacturing companies from <$1M to $5M in annual revenue, once in an ownership capacity. Looking for products with solid growth potential.

United States > Rhode Island

$1,000,000 to $4,000,000

November 16, 2011

Looking for a business that is already up and running that is looking for a loan. Sales should be in excess of 5 million. Looking to be a secured lender. Loan can be backed by Land, Real Estate, or Equipment. Looking to invest up to 4 Million in company.

United States > Rhode Island

$0 to $50,000

November 16, 2011

Currently located in Providence, RI. I have 17 years experience in sales and marketing in the high tech industry primarily with small start-ups.In the last decade I have partnered in a successful Staffing and Recruting agency servicing consumer products market. Expertise; Sales, Marketing, 5 Plan Market Strategies.

United States > Massachusetts

$5,000 to $250,000

November 13, 2011

My special ability is making your company suitable for investment by individual retirement accounts (IRAs) - which may dramatically widen the pool of capital that can invest in your company AND could create significant tax benefits for your investors. I am an entrepreneur, corporate executive and investor. Currently a senior executive with a registered investment advisor, I invest on my behalf in either an active, advisory or silent role depending on what works for you. If you contact me, I will strive to get you a preliminary answer within 24 hours. I have an ivy league undergraduate degree and an MBA. I am married with three kids and live west of Boston.

United States > Massachusetts

$25,000 to $1,000,000

November 7, 2011

I am an entrepreneur and have concepted and operated small businesses. I now run a Marketing Investment company out of Boston where I invest in and work with entrepreneurs on growing their businesses. My expertise is focused in marketing and branding-I understand well that these areas tend to go untended during any growth phase. But without focus to them its very difficult to sucessfully grow. I have interest in not just being an investor but also in being part of the management team in a hands on/advisory capacity. Do note: I am easy to get along with, dont worry (!), and understand well the many challenges of small business. In the past my focus has been on retail concepts but I also have great interest in other industries where marketing and branding play a central role in generating sales volumes. I am married, live in Boston, and have two young boys ages 1.5 and 3 who keep me busy. Thank you for your time. I look forward to learning about your business.

United States > New Hampshire

$0 to $25,000

November 4, 2011

I'm single mid thirties in central NH. I currently work at a hedge fund in management position. I have extensive experience with financing small public companies as well as serving as a director for six public companies. I have experience with most industries, other than biotech, and focus more on tech, energy and manufacturing. The fund I work for has invested over 200mm and I'm looking for small companies with good ideas, proven concepts and generating some revenue. I'm looking to be a silent investor, but would advise in any capacity, if needed. I have contacts through the US Canada Australia Europe and South Africa with bankers, lawyers, regulators and other industry professionals.

United States > Massachusetts

$20,000 to $50,000

November 1, 2011

49 year old married father of two children. I live in Massachusetts. I have traveled to Argentina recently and enjoyed the South American experience. I am professional environmental engineer specializing in wastewater and drinking water. I hold various environmental licenses. I have operated a private business for twenty years. Additionally, I work for a large environmental engineering and services company. I am interested in a South America investment that would improve cultural exchanges through environmental improvements that enhance a business operations. Possible mining and air polution control. I am willing to be hands on or off investor. I am willing to provide my professional and 30 years works experince to help build your business.

United States > Massachusetts

$25,000 to $50,000,000

November 1, 2011

MBA and mechanical engineer with several years experience in business and product development. I have a team of private and public investors who seek to invest in virtually any solid idea, business expansion, commercial real estate, construction, equipment leasing, etc

United States > Vermont

$1 to $5,000,000

October 30, 2011

Available upon receipt of initial investment opportunity.

United States > Vermont

$0 to $50,000

October 27, 2011

My associates and I are part of an investment group and are looking for businesses to seed. We are particularly interested in the following markets: Software (web-based and mobile preferred) Clean energy/energy management Consumer goods Machine learning Financial services We look to be fairly hands on as much as needed/possible and are particularly interested in founding teams of (roughly) 4 people who can commit 6 months of full time work if they are selected for funding. One co-founder must have a technical background. My personal background is in research development/analysis and my associates and I have contacts in the aforementioned markets as well. Personally, I have a postgraduate degree from the Queen's University of Belfast in Cognitive psychology and social systems and have been involved in the development of multi-agent AI software and cognitive modeling of value for deployment in financial services software packages.

United States > New Hampshire

$5,000 to $1,000,000

October 24, 2011

Warren Daniel, Seacoast Regional Manager NH Small Business Development Center. I have been assisting clients with access to capital issues since 2000 and have helped connect businesses with over $10 milliion in capital since 2010. My experience has been in many different industries, with particular expertise in alternative energy and restaurants.

United States > New Jersey

$0 to $500,000

August 30, 2011

Individual investor looking for business opportunities to invest in.