‍Have you been able to build out your network of investors since joining our Investor Community?

Connectd stands out among UK investor communities by combining a strong online platform with excellent offline events. The platform provides detailed information on investors, and the in-person events allow you to meet both investors and startups.

This combination has been incredibly valuable for us, especially as we invest through a syndicate. While the syndicate section on Connectd is still new, it has great potential for both newcomers and experienced investors seeking like-minded partners.

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How important is it for founders to gain more accessibility to investors like yourselves on Connectd?

With our colleagues from King’s College, including Professor Robyn Klingler-Vidra, we conducted a survey of international founders through one of our programs, International Office Hours. We asked them what their biggest challenge was, and "networking" topped the list. This isn't surprising. We all know how critical it is—your investors and clients need to have substance, but having the right network is hugely beneficial.

Connectd is an amazing tool because it brings together so many essential features. You have your investor side of things, and then there’s the advisor side, which I think is one of the most powerful aspects for international founders. For the international community, the importance of building a strong network cannot be overstated. Typically, it takes years to establish such a network, but Connectd has the potential to cut that timeline down significantly.

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How important is it for investors to have a multi-pronged approach to identifying deal flow?

This is an interesting question, and while different investors have different strategies, there are a few things that generally apply across the board. Deal flow is the lifeblood of investors—particularly high-quality, predictable deal flow. Relying on a single source for deal flow can be risky, but having too many sources presents its own challenges, such as being overwhelmed by lower-quality opportunities. This can waste time and create additional difficulties.

As with many things in life, the ideal approach lies somewhere in the middle—maintaining a few high-quality sources of deal flow. Each investor may have their own strategy for this, whether it’s through a network, personal contacts, or a well-known brand like Y-Combinator. Platforms like Connectd are playing an increasingly important role, especially as we move into an era of data-driven investment selection. The ability to apply filters, and potentially AI, to deal flow is going to become an essential element in managing this process effectively.

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Any tips for new angel investors?

For new angel investors, the first step is to understand your goals. If you’re investing out of passion, that’s great—just enjoy the process. But if you’re aiming for professional returns, you need to approach it with the same seriousness as any other investment.

Remember, startup investing carries significant risk, and there’s a high chance you could lose your entire investment. I recommend starting with a syndicate or professional group where you can learn the ropes and gain experience. Investing in startups involves a lot of work, from supporting the companies you invest in to managing your portfolio and planning your exit strategy. It’s important to take the time to learn and decide if this is the right path for you.