Working with Angel Investors and Venture Capital Firms

Sam Guren and Ira Weiss discuss the roles of angel investor groups and venture capital firms in financing small businesses, addressing questions like:How does working with an angel group differ from working with a VC firm?When should I go to an angel group or VC firm?What is the process for getting funding?How are deal terms determined?Hyde Park Angels (HPA) provides a forum for members to invest in seed and early-stage businesses. HPA was founded by alumni of Chicago Booth in 2007 and is closely affiliated with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship. Sam Guren has over 30 years’ experience investing in early stage, growth and buy-out opportunities at Continental Illinois Venture Corporation. He was cofounder and manager of William Blair Venture Partners where he grew the business to three separate funds. He is currently managing partner of HPA. Ira Weiss is a professor at Chicago Booth. He is also managing director of RK Ventures, which has investments in energy technology, healthcare and biotech. He has an MBA and Ph.D. from Chicago Booth.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009