Entrepreneur FAQ's

Entrepreneur FAQ

What is the Mid-Atlantic Investment Network?
The Mid-Atlantic Investment Network is an online platform designed to connect entrepreneurs (looking for growth or start-up capital) and angel investors (looking for investment opportunities). The Mid-Atlantic Investment Network is unique in that it offers a local, national and global platform with partner networks across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. The Mid-Atlantic Investment Network is continually growing, developing and updating its extensive database of angel investors.

What is an Angel Investor?
Originally, the term "angel" was coined to refer to the people who financed Broadway plays when all else failed. Today this term has become common within the investment community to refer to a high net-worth individual that invests their own personal funds in various businesses. In the US, it is estimated that there are well over 200,000 potential angel investors that annually invest approximately $3 billion in US businesses and currently own over $12 billion in existing equity. This represents roughly 7% of what the banks are investing. Statistics also show that this figure trumps that of venture capital lending. The US labor market and productivity centre estimates that angel investments have financed approximately twice as many firms as any other form of external equity investment, including institutional venture capital.

Who is a typical Angel Investor?
Angel investors are often retired entrepreneurs or executives, who may be interested in angel investing for reasons that go beyond pure monetary return. These include wanting to keep abreast of current developments in a particular business arena, mentoring another generation of entrepreneurs, and making use of their experience and networks on a less-than-full-time basis. Thus, in addition to funds, angel investors can often provide valuable management advice and important contacts.

What is the difference between an Angel Investor and a Venture Capital firm?
Angels make their own decisions as opposed to a board or group of people making a decision for investors that have pooled money together. Angels tend to be more involved in the businesses that they invest in and provide assistance in ways that venture capital firms do not. Angels typically do not own as large a stake in the company as a venture capital firm would. Another benefit of being an angel investor is the reception of certain tax incentives from controlled small businesses.

How do I know if my proposal has been received?
You will know that your proposal has been received if it appears in the list of "Active Proposals" in your member's area. If there are no proposals in your member's area then you will need to resubmit your proposal. Always write your proposal in another programme and cut and paste to avoid the page timing out.

How much does it cost?
More information can be found on Our Rates Page.

Why isn’t it free of charge?
Many people have asked us why we charge entrepreneurs for the service. Firstly we are running a commercial enterprise and don’t get any public funding, so we need to cover our admin and promotion costs, pay staff to check your submission and pay for the upkeep of the website. Secondly we are providing a valuable service to the entrepreneurs who need the much needed to support to get their ideas in front of investors. To set up a serious business with outside funding you do need to be prepared to spend some money. The fee is very low compared to other companies in the industry who will often charge around 5% of the amount you wish to borrow.

Do I have to pay for every contact?
No, the Express, Express Plus and Global Express Plus packages all give you to access to the contact details of ALL the investors who wish to contact you. Your proposal remains active for 90 days and all investor contacts are included in this period. You do not need to pay for each contact.

Why don’t you take a success fee instead?
If you think of Mid-Atlantic Investment Network as the funding equivalent of an online dating agency it makes more sense. You wouldn’t expect a dating agency to only get paid if and when you marry the partner you found on their site. They wouldn’t be able to find you or know you were getting married without employing a private detective! Likewise we can’t hope to individually track everyone who enters their idea over the internet. Often all we have is an email address for you. Plus we have no control over how good your idea is and therefore your likelihood of finding an Angel. There may be a few Angel groups who don’t charge upfront, but they heavily screen incoming ideas and reject about 90% of them, which means most people are left without a chance of connecting with Angels.

Why isn’t my proposal appearing in the list of recent proposals?
If you have just submitted your proposal, it is probably because we haven’t approved it yet. We have to read and activate each proposal before it is released to the investors. Alternatively it may be because you have just edited your proposal, which means that it is removed from the system until we reapprove it.

Does my company have to be established?
No, we accept projects at every stage of development – from ideas to start-up companies to mature businesses. Even if your project is still an idea, it could still be of interest to the investors. They might even have the relevant knowhow and expertise to get the ball rolling.

Is there a maximum/minimum investment?
No, our investors are interested in projects ranging from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Are the contact requests automated?
No, all the contact requests you receive are from investors who have read your investment proposal and decided they want to discuss your project in more detail.

Who are the investors on this website?
The investors on our website have been compiled from databases of angel investors, company directors and private investment groups. They also include individual investors who have registered in the hope of finding investment opportunities. Our database is continually expanding with new investors looking to invest in companies like yours.

How much information should I include in my proposal?
If you are worried about confidentiality we would advise you not to give away too many details in your proposal. Try and write enough to get the investors interested in your project without revealing the key ideas. In the "Useful Documents" page of our "Get Investor Ready" section, you will find a free NDA document, which you can get all the potential investors to sign before presenting your idea in full.

How is my privacy protected?
The site was developed using proprietary database management tools and a secure server is used to assure that no one sees your business or personal information. Your information is not offered to any third party for any purposes and is guaranteed to be kept confidential and private.

Why should I use this service?
As an entrepreneur, you are already aware of the growing resistance of banks in the US to finance small business. It is virtually impossible to obtain financing without having secured assets, providing personal guarantees etc. Angel investors are the logical source to provide financing to small businesses. With $1 billion invested annually in the US and growing all the time, the main obstacle is locating and presenting your idea to this large group of investors. The Mid-Atlantic Investment Network allows an entrepreneur to:
a) Find a source of capital.
b) Find an experienced investor that can provide guidance and support.
c) Make it all come together in a fast and efficient way.

How will I attract the attention of potential investors?
When dealing with an angel investor, at the very least your proposal should address the following:
- How much money do you need?
- Why do you need it?
- When do you need it?
- What are you willing to give up to get it?
- When and how can you pay it back?
Investors need your answers to these questions before they will even consider helping you. They are not looking for "pipe dreams" or unprofessional sounding proposals. They expect a reasonably sound business plan as well as an understanding from entrepreneurs that an investor is not going to just blindly hand over significant sums of money with no strings attached whatsoever. They may be angels but there are limits to what they are prepared to do.

How can I pay if I don't have a credit card?
If you are unable to or feel uncomfortable using a credit card, you can pay by PayPal, MoneyBookers or bank transfer.

Why am I being asked to pay again?
You have to pay the Express, Express Plus or Global Express Plus Fee for every proposal you submit.

Due Diligence
Please be aware that after the initial match has been made it is the entrepreneur’s responsibility to carry out diligence on the investor. Please inform us of any suspicious behaviour.

I have other questions. Who do I contact?
Contact us by email: admin@midatlanticinvestmentnetwork.com

United States > Maryland

$5,000,000 to $50,000,000

January 24, 2012

Married, age 58, based in Baltimore. BS Loyola University. Former Managing Director, Director of Marketing for Legg Mason Capital Management. Left the firm in 4Q 2011 in pursuit of a startup. 17 Years direct marketing experience to large institutional investors including corporate and public plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds and 3rd party distribution partners. Prior career in marketing with Alex Brown & Sons investment management division. I bring institutional know-how and relationships that may be useful for future capital raises. I'm seeking a Baltimore area startup/existing business, scalable, with IP, and/or other competitive edge, upside potential. In addition to providing funding, I'm also interested a board position and being directly involved in full time marketing role to build the business.

United States > California

$10,000 to $50,000

January 23, 2012

Business owner located in Northern California. Have owned and sold several businesses over a 30+ year period. Invested up to $500,000. Have advised start-up companies, M&A transactions for established businesses in retail, Internet, manufacturing, engineering services and media industries. Top-10 business school MBA, BS Engineering. Contacts in venture capital, private equity funds. Anticipated involvement - hands-on, advisory. Individual investor.

Hong Kong > Kowloon

$340,000 to $5,000,000

January 16, 2012

I am a China based investor, fifty three years old and married. I commenced my career in the Automotive Industry as an apprentice Automotive Technician and have been self-employed since the age of 21 years. Over the years, I have gained a wide range of experience in all aspects of business management following the acquisition and successful turnaround of three separate Automotive Dealerships. I have been actively involved in advisory and mentoring roles for various businesses and community organizations. Since the sale of my business in 2008 I now manage my private investment portfolio comprising of Equities, Property and Private Business. My status in any investment made here will be that of a silent or active investor depending on the portfolio.

Bahamas > Florida

$10,000 to $100,000

January 13, 2012

I am a 38 year old professional Canadian engineer currently overseeing a $409M airport expansion program in Nassau, Bahamas. While I have a Masters Degree in Geoenvironmental engineering the majority of my life experience is built around project management. I'm honestly looking for investment opportunities in North America. Not particularly keen on startups, prefer investments or businesses with a proven track record / business plan. I am tired of trying to beat wall street so thought I would take a look at main street. I'm an individual investor, and am prepared to offer any expertise I can but am content to be a silent investor.

United States > Maryland

$10,000 to $50,000

January 13, 2012

I am a serial entrepreneur with 20 years of corporate experience and 10 years of venture experience. On the corporate side, I started in research and then moved into research management and general management. On the venture side, I have helped universities commercialize their technologies (over 30 start-ups founded) and also have been CEO of two ventures. My specialty is materials and manufacturing for healthcare, consumer and industrial markets.

United States > Nevada

$0 to $50,000,000

January 12, 2012

We're a private group of very high net worth SEC accredited investors who are current business owners and professionals in the technology industry. Our group collaborates to invest beyond technology investment opportunities to diversify our own investment portfolios. Our group's objectives are providing capital and partnering with entrepreneurs as advisers.We search through several investment opportunities throughout the year, invest and support the best ones either as an individual or a group. We choose to be early investors in high-potential start ups preferably in but not limited to the technology industry. Our group has the operational experience, industry knowledge, professional network in supporting every stage of a startup's growth potential. We provide not just necessary capital but valuable resources needed to grow a successful company.

United Kingdom > London

$50,000 to $250,000

January 11, 2012

Individual investor interested in investing in small brands in the field of alcoholic beverages

United States > Pennsylvania

$100,000 to $500,000

January 9, 2012

Entrepreneur who likes to add value to good ideas in good locations. Successful track record in various industries. Primarily interested in real estate investments. Direct investment opportunities sought.

United States > Virginia

$50,000 to $250,000

January 6, 2012

We are multi-disciplined wealth management / advisory firm. Our accredited investor clients engage us to review proposals for potential investments in new / growing business with large potential for growth and profitability.

United States > West Virginia

$500,000 to $25,000,000

January 3, 2012

Since 1980 I have served as Senior Managing Director of McCabe- Henley Properties LP. Co-founder of the company and been involved in commercial, investment and residential real estate for twenty-five years. I lead the firm's business recruitment efforts for new listings and client representations. I am currently principal-in-charge of the $50 million development of Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park Resort, a public - private development that includes a lodge, conference facilities, an 18- hole golf course, and numerous additional amenities. I graduated from West Virginia University where he earned a BS Degree in Business Administration. I am married with two boys and one girl,I lives in Charleston West Virginia. Our twelve portfolio companies collectively total nearly $15 MM invested by Mountaineer Capital, representing over three hundred employees generating over $40MM in annual revenues. We have chosen these twelve from over 400 proposals for which we have given review.

United States > Maryland

$500 to $10,000

December 14, 2011

Individual looking to invest in local community initiatives

United States > Wisconsin

$50,000 to $800,000

December 10, 2011

54 year old senior executive with 30 years of business experience owning and operating several companies is looking to invest in an existing business with revenues. Can be hands-on or in an advisory role.

United States > Maryland

$10,000 to $250,000

November 30, 2011

I'm 39, married with three young children, living in Annapolis. I was in the Navy for 7 years as a Surface Warfare Officer and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1994. After separating from the Navy in 2001, I co-founded a tech services firm in 2001. We evolved into a cyber services company focusing on the DoD and Intel markets in the federal government. We sold the company in March 2009 (reached $10M in annual revenue with 60 employees) to a middle market public defence contractor. I was required to work at the acquiring company for 18 months and left shortly after my required time. I haven't worked since but I'm itching to get back into something. Even though my expertise lies in the government/defense contracting arena, I don't want to limit myself to that industry. I was the Managing Partner at my company and acted as CFO. I'm an individual investor and I'm open to any level of involvement.

United States > Indiana

$1,000,000 to $10,000,000

November 30, 2011

I own a very large clothing line and am seeking to invest in the fashion industry.

United States > Virginia

$10,000 to $200,000

November 28, 2011

Hello my name is Alexis Martín , I live in Roanoke Va , and am orginally from Spain. I am here with my wife , and looking to start a new business. I ran different business in Spain, and am looking for new ideas. I am interested in starting my own or investing in new ideas.I am educated in sales, and marketing.

United States > Maryland

$100,000 to $2,000,000

November 23, 2011

We are a private equity firm with experience in developing start-up companies to successful business enterprises. We provide management and investment expertise to companies struggling to grow.

United States > Massachusetts

$100,000 to $100,000,000

November 21, 2011

Mechanical engineer with MBA and several years of business management experience. I represent a group of investors that looks for debt and/or equity funding opportunities.

United States > Virginia

$10,000 to $400,000

November 4, 2011

I am a Biochemist with interest to invest in any good idea. I have international business experiences. I also work with teams of very successful investors and highly respected businessmen in the greater Washington DC area. I also have strong connections to the construction industry in the beltway area. Live in northern VA. Masters of Biochemistry. Invested in international banking. Individual investor.

United States > Virginia

$0 to $50,000

October 31, 2011

Familiar with a wide variety of investments, projects, and technologies. Willing to consider based upon potential returns and a well thought out business plan.

United States > California

$25,000 to $1,000,000

October 7, 2011

Investment Experience: • Over 9 years experience in multi-family, retail and light industrial investments. • Principal in >10 transactions totaling over $8 million between 2002 & 2011. • Active management experience. Education: • Ph.D. Major: Materials Science and Engineering. Minor: Management/Finance. • B.S. Major: Materials Science and Engineering.