Kent Investor Network (KIN)
The Investor Network for Kent investors and Kent businesses
The Kent Investors Network (KIN) covers the whole of Kent and was created for and by Kent–based private investors who are interested in investing and supporting Kent businesses.
What is a Business Angel?
Business Angels are high-net worth individuals who are looking for investment opportunities in high-growth companies. Business Angels typically invest from £50,000 - £750,000 either on their own or as part of a syndicate.
Business Angels usually have an entrepreneurial history or have been working in leading positions in large corporations where they have gained significant experience in growing businesses.
Business Angels tend to invest at the relatively early stages of a company, i.e. businesses that have generated first revenue or are credibly close to it.
What are business angels looking for?
Business Angels are looking for high-growth business propositions that have the potential to give a c.10 times return on investment over 5 years. A skilled and efficient, though not necessarily complete, management team should be in place.
Angels expect a solid business plan with a feasible exit strategy and a strong, ideally protectable or protected IP and clear USPs to consider following up with entrepreneurs.
They would usually take a minority equity stake in the company (Min 5% stake, ideally >10%) with an opportunity to take influence.
What do Business Angels add to a business?
In addition to money, Business Angels contribute with a non-monetary investment. They invest their time, supporting the company with management skills and expertise, providing advice to the management team in areas such as sales, management, financing and business development.
Furthermore, Business Angels often act as door openers, establishing contacts with key account customers, suppliers or follow-on investors.
Who can present at the Kent Investor Network?
Companies wishing to present at KIN meetings should be Kent-based, seek between £50,000 and £750,000 of funding and be ‘investment ready’ high growth potential companies.
Companies can be at any stage of development, possibly from pre-revenue to well-established, and come from a variety of business sectors. The common denominator is growth potential and a credible exit strategy. They must, however, have significant business operations within the County of Kent.
Suitable companies will make a fifteen minute presentation to the KIN members at a Kent Investors Network meeting, followed by a period of Q&A. The KIN normally meets every 2 months.
Before your presentation you will have the opportunity to go through a dry-run process with one or more KIN Committee members to help you refine your technique and ensure you cover all the issues relevant to potential investors.
Richard Wheeler