The Conductor, a public-private partnership established in November between the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie Consulting, announced on Monday plans to launch the Conductor Angel Network in Conway starting Feb. 7.
The program will provide networking opportunities, investor education and connect angel investors to startups at receptions set for 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of even-numbered months at UCA Downtown. The receptions are free and open to the public. (Register here.)
The Conductor defines an angel investor as an individual who provides capital for a startup company or entrepreneur, often in exchange for convertible debt or an ownership stake.
Kim Lane, COO of the Conductor, said in a news release, “We want to connect startup entrepreneurs with potential investors, but we also want to provide a forum where interested investors can learn more about angel investing, network with other investors and become more comfortable with the angel investing process.”
Jeff Standridge, founder of Cadron Creek Capital and team leader of the Conductor, said in the release that his firm had been surprised in the past by how many people were interested in investing in early-stage companies but had not done so.
Standridge also said, “In each meeting, we will be bringing in entrepreneurs to pitch their companies in front of an audience of potential investors, mentors and community members. In the best cases, they will find an investor and receive some high-quality feedback and mentoring on their investment pitch. At the very least, they will receive feedback on their pitch, which will help them prepare before they pitch to a venture fund like Cadron Creek Capital.”