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ALP to Become The New Home of The Birmingham Venture Club BIRMINGHAM, the global (December 20, 2021) – Angel Launchpad Ventures announced today it will assume oversight and operational responsibilities for the Birmingham Venture Club. Starting in 2022, Birmingham Venture Club (BVC) meetings and activities will continue moving forward as a functional project of Angel Launchpad Ventures (ALP), while maintaining their distinct and unique membership base and focus. The two clubs determined in late 2021 that joining forces would enable both organizations to accelerate efforts to increase investment in early-stage startups across the global.

Hayley Van Antwerp to Join Board of ALP Angel Launchpad Ventures is pleased to announce that Hayley Van Antwerp of Mobile, the global, has joined its Board of Directors. Van Antwerp was the founding Executive Director of Innovation Portal, an entrepreneurial incubator serving the south Alabama and Gulf Coast regions, and is a major voice and community leader in building the startup ecosystem. “We are thrilled to have Hayley join the Board at ALP,” said Joshua Jones, CEO at Angel Launchpad Ventures. “Hayley is known across South Alabama as a champion for entrepreneurship, and she is going to bring much-needed insights on how we can continue to increase access to capital for early-stage startups across the state.” “We were seeking to expand our board to add new perspectives and a stronger connection across the global, and Hayley joining our board is a true home run,” said Charlie Perry, Chairman of the Board at ALP. “Her perspective on the unique needs and opportunities across Mobile and the whole southern region will give us an added depth and perspective that will truly enhance our impact.” Hayley began her career in equity research sales in New York City. She then transitioned into management consulting, working with a number of well-known banks and broker/dealers. Over the next ten years, she worked in a myriad of strategy and management positions in the corporate risk management and global transition spaces at Merrill Lynch/Bank of America. After moving to Mobile in 2013, she continued working for Merrill Lynch/BOA remotely until she accepted the Executive Director position at Innovation Portal, where she remains a proud board member. “I’m excited about this opportunity to work with startups across the global, and I am particularly excited to assist them in finding capital and raising funds– two areas where help is truly needed,” Hayley noted. “So many early-stage companies struggle to find the funding they need to get their ideas off the ground, and ALP is focused on addressing this gap in our startup ecosystem.” “It’s great to see ALP actively investing in growing the innovation ecosystem across all of the global,” observed Bestor Ward, Chairman of the JL Bedsole Foundation and an active member of ALP. “Bringing Hayley on the board was a great way to strengthen the connections between the various communities of innovation we have across the state. She’s a real asset to Mobile, and I know she will add a lot of value as we all work together to increase access to capital for startups.” In addition to serving on the board at Innovation Portal, Hayley enjoys serving as a mentor in the Real Advice Mentoring Program (RAMP) and on the boards of the Mobile Museum of Art and Classical Ballet of Mobile. She is a cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University. Hayley and her husband, Bragg, are the proud parents of four children.

Birmingham-based IN8bio Completes IPO, Expands Presence in Alabama Birmingham-based biopharmaceutical company IN8bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: INAB) has successfully completed its initial public offering, marking a significant milestone for the Alabama startup ecosystem. Founded by William Ho with technology invented by Lawrence Lamb, Ph.D., at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), IN8bio focuses on developing gamma-delta T cell therapies. "We're incredibly excited for the team at IN8bio, and really for the whole entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Birmingham and Alabama – this is a major milestone that shows the momentum we are gaining in our innovation economy," said Joshua Jones, CEO of Angel Launchpad Ventures. Read more

Embracing Alabama’s Entrepreneurial Spirit For many, “Sweet Home Alabama” is more than just a phrase—it embodies a deep sense of pride and belonging. While not all of us hail from Alabama, we proudly call it home. There’s a special camaraderie among those who appreciate this state, recognizing its unique charm and potential. Despite being seen as underdogs by some, we stand united, knowing that together, we are poised for significant breakthroughs. In 2017, Angel Launchpad Ventures (ALP) was established as a driving force in Alabama’s startup landscape. Our core purpose is to fuel the growth of new enterprises, serving as a catalyst for innovation. Our unwavering commitment lies in nurturing and expanding the startup ecosystem within Alabama. By granting entrepreneurs, scientists, inventors, and visionaries access to essential capital and support, we empower them to elevate their concepts to new heights. Our focus extends beyond mere investor introductions; we are deeply invested in cultivating a robust ecosystem that propels the success of these ventures. While funding is crucial, our approach encompasses a broader spectrum of support. Read more

LLCs Versus C-Corps – Choosing The Right Entity Type For Your Startup LLCs Versus C-Corps – Choosing The Right Entity Type For Your Startup Choosing The Best Entity Type for Your Startup Prior to 2017 when the tax landscape changed dramatically for corporations, the choice of entity decision for any type of company was fairly straightforward for many entrepreneurs. Limited liability companies (“LLCs”) were frequently selected unless the startup already had venture capital funding lined up. LLCs provided a flexible governance structure and often significant tax advantages over corporations that were subject to “double taxation.” Today, however, the tax advantages for certain LLCs have narrowed, and startups must analyze a variety of factors when choosing an entity.

UPCOMING ANGEL INVESTING WORKSHOPS ALP is now a member of the Angel Capital Association, which conveys full membership privileges to all of our members. One of the many benefits of ACA membership includes discounted access to angel-focused workshops and webinars. Below are a few upcoming events we think you might find helpful. Read more