August 19, 2019

 aca rtp tlp logos

The Angel Capital Association (ACA), the world's largest professional organization for accredited investors, in partnership with RTP Capital Associates, Inc. and The Launch Place, will host a two-day conference from September 10th to 11th for accredited investors that will focus on building and growing investment and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The 2019 ACA Southeast Regional Meeting will take place in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Immediately following the regional meeting, The Launch Place will hold its 6th annual Big Launch Challenge pitch competition. 

This year’s agenda focuses on “Taking Good Deeds to the Bank: Making Angel Investing Pay Off”.  The meeting includes deep dive sessions on building an entrepreneurial ecosystem and key investment topics such as syndication, valuation, due diligence, and portfolio diversification. Ted Zoller, T.W. Lewis Clinical Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Director of the Entrepreneurship Center of the University of North Carolina will deliver the keynote. Two ACA Education sessions are included in the conference—Fundamentals of Angel Investing and Term Sheet Basics.  

Active angel investors representing over 25 southeastern ACA member groups have already registered.  The conference allows attendees to connect with other key investors to share expertise and deals. 

“ACA regional meetings have always provided value for angel investors, whether new or more experienced,” said Elaine Bolle, RTP Capital Investment Committee Chair, ACA board member and conference co-chair. “It’s an excellent opportunity for experienced investors to connect with other angel networks, key industry leaders, or if new to angel investing, simply learn and network with other regional investors.” 

Pat Gouhin, CEO of the ACA, added “we know that angel investors are a critical piece to the successful growth of an innovation ecosystem. The Angel Capital Association is pleased to work with RTP Capital Associates and The Launch Place to provide this unique opportunity for new and active investors to connect with smart investment practices rooted in the Southeast market. Most angels invest in companies near to them or alongside trusted co-investors and this event is an opportunity for angels to build important connections with like-minded regional investors.” 

Attendees will hear panels packed with peer investors where they will share experiences in angel investing. Panelists will discuss examples of entrepreneurial ecosystems in their respective communities, as well as compare the differences between large cities, rural communities, and university driven localities to see how entities such as angels, accelerators, economic development organizations, venture capitalists and other entrepreneurial support organizations have come together. 

RTP Capital Associates, the largest private angel network in the Triangle, is actively involved in growing angel investing in the region.  “We are thrilled to be hosting angel investors from throughout the southeast for this event,” indicates RTP Capital President and conference co-chair Mark Friedman.  “We’re proud to be part of the ecosystem that’s developed in the Triangle region and are looking forward to hearing many of the ways other southeastern groups have developed ecosystems in their areas, learn from each other and enhance the way we all work together in the future.”  

“We are excited to be co-hosting this year’s regional meeting,” said Eva Doss, The Launch Place President & CEO and conference co-chair. “This experience helps The Launch Place build our network of investors. The connections made at events like this are invaluable and the information shared will help drive the entrepreneurial ecosystem.” 

The Launch Place’s 6th annual Big Launch Challenge is a pitch competition where aspiring startups could win up to $15,000 for their company, as well as training, networking opportunities and mentorship for the entrepreneurs.  This event immediately follows the regional conference, beginning at 1:30pm on September 11th. Not only does the competition offer entrepreneurs exposure for their brands, but it provides constructive feedback on their ideas and builds lasting and valuable connections. The pitch competition is free and open to the public to attend. Registration can be found at www.thelaunchplace.org/big-launch-challenge.

 Registration information for the 2019 ACA Southeast Regional Meeting can be found at https://angelcapital.swoogo.com/19se.

 

About the Angel Capital Association (ACA):
ACA is the professional association of angel investors across North America and offers education, best practices, public policy advocacy, and significant benefits and resources to its membership of more than 14,000 accredited investors, who invest individually or through its 250 angel groups, accredited platforms, and family offices. For more information, visit: www.angelcapitalassociation.org or contact Sarah Dickey at sdickey@angelcapitalassociation.org.

About The Launch Place (TLP):

The Launch Place, funded through grants by the Danville Regional Foundation, provides new and early-stage business support services and seed funding for the Danville City and Pittsylvania County region of Virginia and Caswell County in North Carolina. As an entrepreneurship development organization with the purpose to plan, fund, launch and grow businesses, TLP helps companies to get started or to expand their operations by providing business consulting services, office space, and by investing in them through its investment funds. For more information visit: www.thelaunchplace.org or contact Eva Doss at edoss@thelaunchplace.org.

About RTP Capital Associates, Inc.:

RTP Capital is a group of accredited angel investors who evaluate early stage investment opportunities, pool resources and expertise, socialize, and make a difference. The group engages with a wide variety of opportunities and provides insight, guidance, and other strategic resources for seed and early-stage companies primarily in the Southeastern US. For more information about RTP Capital visit http://www.rtpcapital.org or contact Elaine Bolle at ebolle@rtpcapital.org or Mark Friedman at mfriedman@rtpcapital.org.