Connecting entrepreneurs and investors in Northern Minnesota
We help fuel new ventures that will drive the region’s economic future.
What’s the Headwaters Angel Network?
The Headwaters Angel Network is a platform for entrepreneurs to connect with investors who share a connection to the Mississippi Headwaters region.
Have you ever watched shark tank? The Headwaters Angel Network operates like Shark Tank but, instead of famous billionaires, the investors are your neighbors.
The key distinction between investment funds and networks is that in a network investors make their own investment decisions.
Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who invest their own money in startup businesses. Their goal is to achieve higher returns than public markets typically provide. Many angel investors also enjoy helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and improving the quality of life in their community.
The term “angel” originated at the turn of the 20th century to describe wealthy individuals who would seemingly appear from heaven to provide financing for the theatrical productions on Broadway that would have otherwise had to shut down.
Today, angel investors fill the gap between the small-scale financing provided by family and friends and that of venture capitalists. They provide initial funding to fledgling businesses during a period when the risks of failure are relatively high and most investors aren’t prepared to back them.
Headwaters Angel Network investors invest in traditional “angel” rounds but, are also available for later-stage investments as businesses continue to grow and prosper.
Many Startup businesses prefer investment from angel investors rather than getting loan from a bank. In most cases, investors purchase direct equity in the business which helps the business to grow faster than if they had large Some companies appreciate that angel investors are in for the long haul and will only succeed if the business succeeds. Many companies want to raise money from angels because they bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience to the business. Other businesses simply can’t get a loan from a bank and need to find investors who believe in them and are willing to take a risk.
We’re a community of accredited investors who have unique backgrounds, motivations, and investment goals.
Some of our members are experienced venture capitalists and investment bankers seeking to broaden their investment portfolio. Others are new investors looking to develop their skills and network with more experienced investors. All are passionate about supporting the entrepreneurs whose businesses will drive the regional economy in the future.
We encourage each of our members to consider investing a minimum of $50,000 per year directly in one or more startups, in partnership with other members of the Headwaters Angel Network. Members investing in funding rounds generally invest under the same terms and conditions.
To learn more about joining the Headwaters Angels, please fill out our application below and contact Brian Huch at bhuch@greaterbemidji.com.
Does your company need funding?
We focus on local companies and prioritize them over those outside the region. However, we intend on funding companies across the United States, especially for founders from the Mississippi Headwaters region. We have the capacity to fund companies in their first round of financing and through multiple rounds of funding. Companies at any stage and in any industry are welcome to apply.