Entrepreneurs, if you are looking for start-up capital and have never raised money before, this web page is for you. 

The Wisconsin Angel Network has created and assembled the resources you need to successfully raise early stage capital.  If you take time to learn about the market, its expectations and typical entrepreneurial mistakes you will have a greater chance of raising your funding round.

NOTE: The process is extremely competitive--many angel networks report seeing 100+ business plans a year and only fund a handful (2-4) of those plans.   Most entrepreneurs will NOT be successful in raising money. 

-The worst assumption to make is investors "owe" you money.

-The second worst assumption is you will receive funding quickly.  Typical investment rounds run 9 - 12 months from the date of initiating the funding round to having money in hand.

Most entrepreneurs do not take advantage of the free, self-study resources that are available on-line.  Save money and time by following these steps before reaching out for assistance.  

 

1. Watch the on-demand video  What an Entrepreneur Ought to Know About Angels.

4. Check out the additional resources available to entrepreneurs by clicking on the link called "Free Resources" in the toolbar above.

5. Create an account on the WAN Deal-flow Pipeline, link in the toolbar above, and upload your deal information: executive summary, business plan and presentation slides.

6. Contact angel networks that you believe could be interested in your deal, follow the above "Membership" link in the toolbar to a listing with contact information.   Many groups have web sites where they list their investment criteria.

7. Reach out to professionals you are working with and ask if they know of investors.  CPA's, attorneys and business consultants are often the best way to get connected to investors who do not belong to angel networks (more than 90% of early stage investing happens outside of angel networks).

8. Network around your local area and beyond. 

-Join the Wisconsin Innovation Network and attend the meetings closest to you. 

-Attend the yearly Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium (November) and Entrepreneurs' Conference (June). 

-Search around for other networking events in your area, here is a listing for a few, though there are many more if you look for them.  

-Join groups like the Wisconsin Department of Commerce sponsored I&E Clubs, click here for listings.

9. Stay connected.

Sign up for the Wisconsin Angel Network's monthly newsletter, the eVestor, and stay informed on the early stage investment market and events.  Follow this link to subscribe.


Get FREE assistance from the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network.  With more than 100 partners, the WEN was created to help entrepreneurs start businesses, strategize on business models and create business plans.  The WEN will provide and/or direct you to free one-on-one assistance.  Here is a link to their website.
  

Fee-based services are also available through a number of channels, such as WAN's eServices, follow the toolbar link above to more details, and other service providers listed at the WEN Portal, follow this link.