Nagaraja Prakasam is an Angel Investor and member of the Indian Angel Network (IAN) where he founded “IAN impact”, a sub-group that focuses on ventures that solve problems of people at the bottom of the pyramid. He is also a mentor at N S Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), and an adviser to Native Lead Foundation. He has also served in several corporate roles and holds a BE from Thiagarajar College, India and an MBA from San Diego/Kennesaw State University, US.
Beyond the Friends and Family round, early-stage Startups seek funding from Angels. Understanding how the Angel “system” ticks is important so that the Startup knows when to approach this group, what they look for in the Startup at the funding stage, and the perspective and role of the Angel investor in the management of the Startup business.
“Angel Investment Insights” were one investor’s opinion about one specific network – Indian Angel Network (IAN). Angel funds and the “quality of money” that they bring is an important aspect for a Startup to consider.
Key takeaways from the presentation
1) India has a number of rural and social problems – IAN “Impact”, a sub group of IAN encourages Startups that address these problems
2) IAN takes up to 30 % equity for its investments starting at 25lakhs ($40000)
3) IAN takes 5% equity when it only mentors and does not fund a Startup
