Summary: In this audio episode, we deliver a repurposed episode from Angel Connect (http://www.angelconnect.info) podcast show, where Hall Martin (http://www.TxENetworks.com) interviews SHANE KELLY (http://www.linkedIn.com/in/shanekellymg), the Executive Director of the WOLVERINE ANGEL NETWORK. (http://finance4startups.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Shane-Kelly-on-linkedIn-300x225.jpg) The theme of this discussion centers around the area of connecting the University of Michigan alumni for investment opportunities. As you may know, this educational institution has had one of the largest CONSISTENT student bodies in size -- between 35,000 to 40,000. And, as such, it has one of the largest alumni pools (some 500,000) of the "elite" universities in the US -- in fact, he mentions that it is one of the largest living alumni base. This allows for the "SCALING" process to help grow the investor base (e.g., 10,000 alumni in Los Angeles alone). In fact, the first investor chapter was launched in Los Angeles, California, which is Shane's location. As you will hear in this audio episode, Shane describes his CONNECTIONS for Startup World via alumni with a network of interested investors. Using EVENTS to gather alumni together is what helps foster the spirit of the Startups and Entrepreneurs who wish to enter the business world -- and they can do so via Angel Investments with Shane's program. Shane also describes how his own PERSONAL NETWORK was key to expand his reach to interested Startup investors. During the interview, Hall Martin asks for Shane to explain any differences between this Angel Group and network based inside the University and others. Shane describes the tremendous access to student Entrepreneurs and the University resources. But, however, he also states that there are rules and guidelines that must be followed, especially where the University branding is involved. In this way, the University model Angel Network is not like an independent brand (e.g., "Rubicon"). Hall Martin then investigates the network funding model that is used. Shane describes this and the investment process that brings a COMPETITIVE benefit to this Network -- SPEED. Finally, Hall Martin inquires as to how Shane's program will be moving into Crowdfunding. It is interesting to see the thought process and decisions about the timing and how to proceed. For more information about the Angel Investment Programs, you may select these links: www.wolverineangels.com (this is the NETWORKING piece); www.bighouse.vc.com (this is the FUNDING site). For further information about Shane, you may go to this link: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/shanekellymg ======== Select this link to listen to the audio episode in another window. Copyright (c) 2015, Hall Martin of Angel Connect Podcast at www.angelconnect.info and Shane Kelly of www.wolverineangels.com. All rights reserved.
