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 > Virginia

$1 to $1,000

August 22, 2010

I am 29 years old, married with 3 children, residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am currently an Electronics Technician with only 3 classes remaining to acquire my Electronics Engineering Bachelor's Degree. I've been working as an Electronics Technician going on 10 years. I have always wanted to become an investor in new businesses, inventions, ideas, etc. So, now I am ready to begin a new phase in my life by getting more involved with the development and growth of new businesses of all types. I am an individual investor who is available to offer advice to anyone on any topic. I have a very creative mind in which I like providing creative ideas that will attract more business opportunities.

United States > Virginia

$100,000 to $5,000,000

August 22, 2010

Owner/President of a small 7 year old aerospace company providing logistics services, engineering, repair and manufacturing support to electronic defense and communications systems.

United States > Washington D.C.

$1 to $20,000

August 18, 2010

I have been an avid investor since my earlier years and have a B.S. in economics from American University. I currently work as an equity analyst for a boutique brokerage firm in Washington D.C. My focus is on semiconductors but I live and breath technology in my own life. I plan to just have silent involvement and hopefully let the original thinkers work their magic.

United States > California

$50,000 to $25,000,000

July 29, 2010

We provide working capital and invest in restaurants and other small businesses looking to expand their existing business.

United States > Pennsylvania

$0 to $150,000

July 26, 2010

Eastern Pennsylvania Financial Investor looking for investment in regional growth opportunities. Investor has BS, CPA and an operational and financial background for micro middle marekt companies. Experience in manufacturing, distribution and service industries. Self employed as an M&A advisor for the last decade plus. Maintains relationships with lenders and is comfortable in dealing with banks. Role with opportunity of passive to semi-active, depending upon the needs of the business.

Canada > Victoria B.C.

$0 to $10,000

July 25, 2010

Retired inventor and marine engineer after a real-estate development career, and father of 3 working sons. Still involved with Wireless Machine Interface automation and Nomadic Manufacturing of our superior flying sail & ski boats.

United States > Pennsylvania

$5,000 to $100,000

July 25, 2010

I am an individual looking for investment opportunities in any industry across the Mid-Atlantic reason. I will play a silent role in any investment I make.

United States > Virginia

$5,000 to $100,000

July 22, 2010

- Currently Sales Director for multinational market research firm. - Masters in Economics. - Anticipated involvement determined by opportunity.

United States > Pennsylvania

$0 to $5,000

July 20, 2010

I am a 31 year old investor. I am the president of my own company. A main focus of my company is investing and venture capitalism. My investments are made through my company, not by me personally. As an investor I am looking for a solid idea(s) and capable leadership. I am providing capital only and do not intend or want to get involved in the actual start up, running, management, or day to day operations of the company/business/product I invest in.

United States > Maryland

$25,000 to $400,000

July 20, 2010

I've been in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech/Healthcare and CRO business for the past 25 years. In addition, I've got experience in the chemical business. Roles over the years include: sales, marketing, project management, business development, alliance mangement, senior leadership and mid-level leadership positions. Anticipated involvement would range from hands-on to silent depending on the opportunty. Located in the DC/Baltimore, MD corridor.

United States > Pennsylvania

$25,000 to $250,000

July 16, 2010

Twenty-five plus years of progressive responsibility in the healthcare products industry including product development, marketing and sales, new business development, and general management. Extensive experience and achievement in marketing management, establishing effective sales and distribution networks, founding and managing successful start-up enterprises, recruiting and motivating key management, securing investment capital, and negotiating mergers and acquisitions. Most recently sold my consumer healthcare product business. Previously founded medical device businesses that successfully sold to Pfizer and Winfield Medical.

United States > Maryland

$50,000 to $250,000

July 13, 2010

52 Married Maryland, Individual investor. Finance background with experience in real estate development and technology/IT startups. Undergraduate degrees in economics and engineering. MBA in finance. Desired involvement - advisory or silent

United States > West Virginia

$1,500 to $3,000

July 3, 2010

Kassim Mouzone Proud Parent of 1 child 24 years of age single Charleston, WV Real Estate Licensed/ Property Management experience High School Diploma Everest University- {Currently attending for Associates Degree for computer technology and a 4.0 GPA} Experience: Unicasa Home Realty, Paterson, NJ 973-881-8888 I worked as a realtor and did some property management work. Duties: Rent,Sell, Buy and manage properties. collecting payments, making appraisals,lawyer,home insurrance, transaction agreements,CMA's, home inspections and property observing appointments.

United States > Washington D.C.

$25,000 to $50,000,000

June 27, 2010

We offer ‘special situation’ investment opportunities to our clients. We work with companies to develop growth strategies, find investors, and implement their respective business plans. Our network includes leaders in the public and private sectors; boutique law firms, elite communications consulting firms, venture capitalists, members of the media, government officials, fashion designers, film and music industry leaders, and executives in a variety of fields around the world. Through this network and in-house expertise, we are able to leverage a diverse set of services in order to assist clients in achieving their goals.

United States > Texas

$2,000 to $100,000

June 21, 2010

I am a financial industry professional with 6 years of experience in strategy and assessing credit risk. I have a masters degree in Operations research and a bachelors degree in Mechanical engineering. I am interested in passively investing in ideas I can believe in, but are in industries where I have little or no expertise. I can be hands on in proposals that require the following: 1) setting long term strategy for an evolving business. (i.e, figuring out key gaps and solving for them) 2) Modeling of cash flows 3) Marketing strategy - channels, evaluating response trends e.t.c 4) Partners in India or Middle east

United States > West Virginia

$10,000 to $10,000,000

June 8, 2010

Personal: 38, married, Charleston, WV. Professional and Education Experience: In 1994, he co-founded Citynet, one of the first 100 ISP's in the U.S. and West Virginia’s largest Internet service provider. Current projects of include (1) Founder and Small Business Advisor at Unique Edge Networks, (2) Launching bizchops.com which is a free membership-based community for business owners (3) Full-time social networker (4) Group leader with the Men's Group of Charleston, an outreach ministry to businessmen in the Charleston, WV area. Other value-adds: Experience in raising money, expertise in all facets of management at the start-up and growth levels. Successful exit of technology company. Very valuable rolodex of contacts. Very good connector with other potential markets and opportunities. Anticipated involvement: Depends on the level of investment but typically work best in an advisory and hands-on approach. Status: Investment group.

United States > New Jersey

$100,000 to $10,000,000

June 7, 2010

Capital (debt and equity) available for US PV solar projects. Well funded investment vehicle provides capital (debt and equity) for C&I behind-the- meter solar PV projects and developers throughout the US. Must be willing to use proven, credible PV manufacturer/supplier (OEM). Projects must be ≥ 200kW in size and expected to be shovel ready within three to six months, preferably sooner.

United States > Arizona

$1,000,000 to $25,000,000

May 29, 2010

I am 42 and with my experience on Wall Street as well as the investor relationships we have nurtured we are primed to help businesses find capital. Education: Bachelor from NYU (Finance & Marketing) Experience: Prudential (Investment Banking, M&A). We are very hands-on in guiding the borrower through the investment process.

United States > New Jersey

$20,000 to $75,000

May 18, 2010

Personal Information: 30, Married, live in New Jersey. Professional information: Investor. Education: MBA and BS in Comp. Science. Investment experience: Rental properties. Anticipated involvement: can be hands-on or silent.

United States > Florida

$1 to $300,000

May 13, 2010

I am 45, married and reside in Florida, USA. I earned a BS Degree in Applied Physics. I also attended Whartons Executive MBA education courses. I worked for a Fortune 500 company for a number of years before starting my own company in 2000. I sold my company in 2008 and finished the consulting agreement in 2009. The depth of involvement will depend on the opportunity. Individual investor, possible investment group depending on the type of opportunity.