Angel Insights: Staci LaToison

Welcome to the Angel Insights newsletter from Angeles Investors. Each week, we bring you exclusive interviews with angel investors, offering valuable insights, strategies, and tips on early-stage investing. Know someone interested in learning about angel investing? Share this newsletter with them! or invite them to join our friends at VITALIZE Angels and get a free quarter to invest $1K+ into early-stage startups! ??

This edition features Staci LaToison, an award-winning investor and founder of Dream Big Ventures, with 2 years of angel investing experience, participating in 4 deals annually.

Staci is dedicated to empowering women through professional development and investment opportunities. A former Chevron executive with over 20 years of experience managing global teams and billion-dollar budgets, she now focuses on supporting women-led businesses and minority-owned ventures.

Staci hosts the Her Money Moves podcast, inspiring women to take control of their financial futures. Recognized as one of 2024’s Most Influential Latinas by Latino Leaders Magazine, she also serves on the boards of the University of Houston, Houston Hospice, and Angeles Investors.

How and why did you become an angel investor?

I became an angel investor because I believe in the transformative power of wealth creation, particularly for women and underrepresented communities. As a Latina and single mother, I know how important it is for us to have a seat at the table and shape our own financial futures. By investing, I not only support innovative entrepreneurs but also advocate for more women, especially Latinas, to build wealth through investing. "If you see her, you can be her" — and through the Her Money Moves podcast, I’m committed to showing women they can dream big, invest boldly, and create lasting wealth by writing the check. - Staci LaToison

What type of deals do you like to do?

I am passionate about championing women-led ventures because the gender gap in funding is unacceptable, and I'm committed to changing that narrative. My interests also lie in transformative fields like climate, energy transition, AI, and health tech. I seek deals that demonstrate strong market traction and have a clear pathway to sustainable growth. I look for tenacious teams who can transform innovative ideas into tangible results, driving scalable success while making a positive impact on our world. - Staci LaToison

What is your favorite thing about being an angel investor?

Empowering visionary entrepreneurs, especially women and Latinos/Latinas, to dream bigger while demonstrating to my family and community that building wealth is possible. Every investment represents a chance to foster greater representation and inspire others. Together, we can and will break barriers and transform dreams into reality. - Staci LaToison

What is one lesson you've learned as an angel?

Patience is a virtue, and due diligence is an art. - Staci LaToisonv

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting as an investor?

Let the data guide your decisions and join Angeles Investors! - Staci LaToison

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What is the most important part of your diligence process and why?

The heart of diligence lies in understanding the fundamentals—traction, financials, and team. Numbers tell the story, but the team's grit drives success. Focusing on proven metrics and the people behind the business; that's where the real potential shines. What is one change or adjustment you've made after angel investing for a while that made a difference.

Initially, I was drawn to exciting ideas and charismatic founders, but now I see the value in "traction over charm." Real success lies in tangible results. I now prioritize patience, which was challenging for me because I'm naturally not a patient person. This shift has led to more informed investments and stronger partnerships as I focus on the execution and sustainability of a business, not just the concept and allure. - Staci LaToison

How do you envision the future of angel investing evolving?

Swift returns and sustainable ventures. - Staci LaToison

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Thank you for reading, and we hope you found inspiration today!