Episode 8: The Art & Science of Angel Investor Education | Dr. Margaret Bacheler

Dr. Margaret Bacheler is the Director of Educational Initiatives for the Angel Capital Association, where she oversees the Ann and Bill Payne ACA Angel University program. Dr. Bacheler is passionate about inclusive economic development, facilitating opportunities for multigenerational wealth creation, and diversifying the ranks of angel investors and the founders they support. She has also been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to elevate Early Stage Investing in the Deep Tech Space. She holds an Ed.d in Educational Leadership from Widener University, an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University, and a BA in World Politics from Hamilton College, where she was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She is an active angel investor with angel investments in angel funds designed to support female founders.

During our conversation, she discusses:

• Her journey into angel investing, sparked by a women's investing conference.

• The importance of due diligence in mitigating investment risks.

• Key factors to evaluate in founders and startups.

• The broad scope and diversity of angel investment opportunities, from deep tech to clean tech to women's health.

• Common misconceptions and learning challenges faced by new angel investors.

• Strategies for potentially successful angel investments, and the importance of a diversified portfolio.

• The growing educational tools and resources available for angel investors.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

What We Cover:

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Margaret Bacheler

• 01:25 Margie's Journey into Angel Investing

• 03:05 The Importance of Due Diligence

• 04:10 Learning to be an Angel Investor

• 05:49 First Angel Investment Experience

• 07:36 Evaluating Founders and Teams

• 09:08 Understanding Due Diligence

• 10:43 Educating New Angels

• 20:35 Common Questions from New Angels

• 24:27 Personal Investment Interests

• 35:39 Advice for Aspiring Angels

Connect with Margaret & the ACA

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-bacheler-ed-d-5ba0538/

• Website: https://angelcapitalassociation.org/

• Angel University Schedule: https://angelcapitalassociation.org/aca-angel-university/

• AngelBox Toolkit: https://angelcapitalassociation.org/angel-box/

• Convertible Note Blog Article: https://angelcapitalassociation.org/blog/convertible-promissory-note/

• Convertible Note Download: https://angelcapitalassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Form/Fill/PNw5oCJL

Connect with Andrew

• Newsletter: https://thediligentobserver.substack.com

• X: https://twitter.com/AKazlow

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkazlow/

• Book: https://angelops.pitchfact.com/

• Website: https://pitchfact.com/

Stuff We Reference

• Angel Capital Association: https://angelcapitalassociation.org/

• Ann and Bill Payne ACA Angel University: https://angelcapitalassociation.org/aca-angel-university/

• National Science Foundation: https://www.nsf.gov/

• Widener University: https://www.widener.edu/

• St. Joseph’s University: https://www.sju.edu/

• Hamilton College: https://www.hamilton.edu/

• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society: https://www.honorsociety.org/phi-beta-kappa

• SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission): https://www.sec.gov/

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All opinions expressed are personal and may not reflect the views of the individual’s organization or of The Diligent Observer. Not investment advice.