Angel Investing Education
This month's newsletter focuses on forwarding angel investing education - from helpful angel investing courses focused on empowering female angel investors to knowledge about the Middle East startup scene and how AI could propel angel investing forward. As always, a host of ?unique events are on display: Check out COREangels International CEO Cintia Mano 's recent features throughout the latest conferences and industry podcasts, as well as COREangels Algarve 's first Investment Committee. Also, check out our very own COREangels Day - coming soon, stay tuned! ??
Happy Angel Investing!
COREangels Day
Join the biggest gathering of COREangels global community! Meet COREangels Angels, Fund Leaders, and Startups in Lisbon during the Web Summit conference.
This year we are inviting the Directors of Angel Groups, VCs, Family Offices, Institutional Investors and our Partners to join us to meet the selected COREangels Startups and Participate in the COREangels Community Awards where we celebrate our most dedicated angel investors.
Tickets will be available in September! Stay tuned!
??? November 11
?? 17:00 - 21:00 WEST
?? (TBA) Lisbon, Portugal
??? Save the Date
About COREangels Day
COREangels Day is the biggest gathering of the COREangels Global Community happening every year in November, in Lisbon, Portugal during the Web Summit conference. Every year more than 100 COREangels Members participate in this networking event.
COREangels Algarve Investment Committee
Join COREangels Algarve 's very first Investment Committee, as the fund begins its efforts towards generating impactful innovation in the Algarve region. The leaders of COREangels Algarve are Mark P. Haaksman and Wouter Heijnen who have been successfully working with the COREangels Team in the Angel Fund Launchpad program, Circular Hub Algarve and the Algarve Tech Hub .
Mark P. Haaksman is a seasoned entrepreneur and impact investor who has successfully supported and launched a vast number of corporate ventures. He truly understands the value of tech/data innovations in relation to business modeling and digital transformation.
Wouter Heijnen is an engaged community builder with an understanding of the impact of technology. His entrepreneurial mindset, hands-on experience in startups as founder and investor, makes him a good partner in business acceleration.
Angel Investors who wish to be part of this group aiming to bring innovation to Portugal and Algarve region, can connect with Wouter Heijnen and Mark P. Haaksman to learn more or register for the Investors-only pitch event here: https://www.coreangels.com/coreangels-algarve-investment-committee
?? Algarve, Portugal
About COREangels Algarve
COREangels Algarve is an Investment group, surfing on the waves of societal challenges, using the Algarve as validation lab for growth. The fund focuses on the (local) effects of the (global) climate change.
International Entrepreneurship Forum Conference
Join us on September 11th in Porto for a unique workshop on angel investing at International Entrepreneurship Forum , led by Rui Falcao , co-founder of COREangels, and Heitor Benfeito from Critical Ventures . This session is perfect for:
?? 9 - 11 September, Porto
The Importance of Education for Angel Investors, Especially Women with Andrea Piazza
In the ever-evolving world of startups, angel investors play a crucial role in driving innovation and supporting the next wave of industry leaders. These early-stage investors provide not only the capital that young companies need to grow, but also the mentorship, expertise, and networks that can make the difference between a startup’s success or failure. However, for angel investors to make informed and impactful decisions, education is paramount.
Andrea Piazza’s Course: A Step Toward Equality
The need for education in angel investing is particularly pressing for female investors. Today, only 2% of capital worldwide is invested in startups founded by women. This staggering statistic highlights a significant gender gap in the world of venture capital and angel investing—a gap that education can help close.
Andrea Piazza , an advocate for gender equality in investing and the creator of a comprehensive angel investing course, emphasizes the importance of making investment knowledge accessible to everyone.
Only 2% of capital worldwide is invested in startups founded by women. We want to make information about investments in startups more accessible to everybody, so we can help to make those numbers more balanced.
Andrea Piazza ’s angel investing course is a crucial resource in this journey toward a more inclusive investment ecosystem. Her course not only demystifies the process of angel investing but also emphasizes the importance of gender equality in investment decisions.
At COREangels, we are committed to supporting initiatives like Andrea Piazza ’s course that promote education and inclusivity in angel investing. Sign up for the course here and help empower women in the angel investing reality: https://coreangels.com/angel-investing-course/angel-investing-with-coreangels-femtech#
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Harnessing AI for Portfolio Management with Jo?o Montenegro
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from an abstract concept to a practical tool that is reshaping industries, including angel investing. Jo?o Montenegro recently provided an in-depth look at the history of AI and the latest advancements in AI tools during a Leaders Meeting. His insights highlighted the transformative potential of AI, particularly in portfolio management for angel investors.
The Evolution of AI: From Abacus to Advanced Algorithms
Jo?o Montenegro began by tracing the roots of AI, emphasizing that the concept of computing has been around for thousands of years, starting with simple tools like the abacus. The idea of creating machines capable of performing complex tasks has evolved significantly, leading to the development of modern computers and, eventually, AI.
He highlighted key milestones in AI’s history, such as the invention of the analytical engine by Charles Babbage and the foundational work of Alan Turing, who proposed the idea of machines that could simulate human intelligence. These early concepts laid the groundwork for the AI technologies we see today.
The Power of Neural Networks
A significant portion of Jo?o Montenegro 's presentation focused on neural networks, the backbone of many AI applications. Neural networks mimic the way the human brain processes information, using interconnected nodes (neurons) to analyze and interpret data. This technology has enabled AI to perform tasks such as image and speech recognition, data analysis, and even decision-making.
Demonstrating how neural networks can be trained to recognize patterns and make predictions, Jo?o Montenegro underscored their relevance in various industries, including finance and investing. He showcased practical examples of AI applications, such as real-time image recognition, to illustrate the power and potential of these systems.
AI Tools: Transforming Portfolio Management
The meeting also explored the latest AI tools and their applications in a multitude of fields, some having the possibility to be applied to areas such as portfolio management for angel investment:
1. Data-Driven Decision Making
One of the most significant advantages of AI in portfolio management is its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. These tools have the capability of analyzing market trends, financial reports, and startup performance metrics to provide investors with data-driven insights. This capability allows investors to make informed decisions based on real-time data, reducing the risk of investment and increasing the potential for high returns.
2. Automated Analysis and Reporting
AI can also automate the analysis and reporting processes, saving time and resources for angel investors. For instance, AI-powered platforms can generate detailed reports on portfolio performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and alert investors to potential risks or opportunities. This automation not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that investors have up-to-date information at their fingertips.
3. Predictive Analytics
Another powerful application of AI in portfolio management is predictive analytics. By analyzing historical data and current market conditions, AI can forecast future trends and identify startups with high growth potential. This foresight can help investors allocate resources more effectively, maximizing the chances of success for their portfolios.
4. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication
AI tools are not just about data processing; they also enhance collaboration and communication among investors. These tools can generate real-time insights during meetings, draft reports, and even facilitate discussions by providing relevant information on the fly. This capability fosters a more collaborative and informed investment environment, where investors can share knowledge and make collective decisions more effectively.
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About Leaders Meetings
Leaders Meetings are bi-monthly online events exclusively for COREangels Fund Leaders.
COREangels Atlantic Announces Successful Exit with the Acquisition of Sizebay by Audaces
COREangels Atlantic , a member of the COREangels network of angel funds around the world, happily announced on the 30th of July the successful exit of its portfolio company, Sizebay , through an acquisition by Audaces, a multinational Italian-Brazilian fashion software leader. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for both Sizebay and COREangels Atlantic , highlighting the impact of early-stage angel investment in driving innovation and growth in the fashion tech industry.
Sizebay , the global leader in e-commerce size recommendation technology, was the first company to receive investment from COREangels Atlantic , the inaugural angel fund within the COREangels Community. With over a decade of expertise in the fashion e-commerce market, Sizebay has revolutionized the customer experience by eliminating sizing uncertainty for online shoppers, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction across more than 60 countries.
"The acquisition of Sizebay by Audaces is very good for both parties; it is a win-win operation," said Maurizio Calcopietro , Managing Partner of COREangels Atlantic . " Sizebay brings to Audaces its great expertise in e-commerce and a good number of clients, especially in Brazil and Europe. For COREangels Atlantic , this is the first exit since its foundation in 2019, and it was certainly a very positive event for all of us investors," Maurizio continued. "The exit marks the end of a cycle and provides a great opportunity to generate profit and/or reinvest in other startups. This validates our investment strategy and should encourage the entry of new capital contributions. We are proud to have believed in the potential of the founders and the company since the beginning of their operation in Portugal. It is very gratifying to see that all the support and contributions from COREangels Atlantic , COREangels International and from our investors have led to this success."
This exit shows the strength of the COREangels model, where early-stage investments, combined with strategic mentoring and a collaborative approach, lead to significant growth and successful outcomes for startups. Cintia Mano , COREangels International CEO, had this to say:
"To COREangels International this exit confirms the value of our model and its ingredients: professional leaders curating deal flow, angels deciding where to invest to build the portfolio and the active involvement of angels and the archangel with the founders. The result is growth, financial returns to angels and founders, job creation and a positive impact in the ecosystem."
COREangels remains committed to fostering innovation and supporting visionary entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
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About COREangels Atlantic
COREangels Atlantic is one of the angel funds of COREangels, dedicated to investing in and supporting early-stage startups with high growth potential. Focused on Brazilian startups that have a digital product with global reach and at least one year of revenue, COREangels Atlantic seeks to help these companies expand into Europe, starting from Portugal. By leveraging a global community of angel investors, COREangels Atlantic provides the necessary capital, expertise, and mentorship to help startups scale and succeed internationally. With a strong emphasis on offering "smart money" - a combination of capital and strategic support - COREangels Atlantic is committed to delivering the best possible experience for its angel investors while driving growth for the startups it invests in.
About Sizebay
Sizebay is the global leader in e-commerce size recommendation technology, helping online shoppers find their perfect fit and enhancing the customer experience. With over 10 years of expertise, Sizebay serves e-commerce stores in more than 60 countries, driving increased sales and customer satisfaction.
About Audaces
Audaces is a leading Italian-Brazilian fashion software company, recognized for its technological innovation in the fashion sector. With over 32 years of experience and operations in more than 100 countries, Audaces is a pioneer in Industry 4.0 fashion manufacturing solutions.
Navigating the Middle East and Africa Startup Ecosystem: Insights from COREangels MEA
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is emerging as a vibrant hub for startups, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Maha M. , Co-Founder of COREangels MEA , recently shared critical insights at a Leaders Meeting about the evolving startup landscape in this region. As COREangels continues its strategic expansion into the African market, understanding these dynamics becomes essential for investors and entrepreneurs alike.
Funding Landscape: A Comparative Look at 2023 and 2024
The global economic challenges that marked 2023 led to a decline in startup funding, a trend seen across many regions, including Africa. However, there is optimism on the horizon. Mandour anticipates a rebound in 2025, with the second half of the year expected to present significant opportunities for growth and investment.
In Africa, the venture capital (VC) ecosystem has experienced what many describe as a "VC bubble." Over the past five years, there has been an influx of fundraising activities, leading to an oversaturation of investments. This has prompted many VCs to focus on exits for their portfolio companies. Despite this, the long-term outlook remains positive, particularly as new funds and investment opportunities are expected to emerge in H2 2025.
Regional Breakdown: Where the Opportunities Lie
Africa's startup ecosystem is diverse, with distinct characteristics across its regions:
Sector Trends: What’s Hot in the MEA Startup Scene?
Fintech remains the dominant sector in Africa, continuing its momentum from 2022. However, climate tech is rapidly gaining ground, now representing about 45% of total funding. This shift reflects a growing global emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy.
Transportation and logistics have also been significant, particularly in South Africa, where they received 28% of total investments in 2024. Additionally, agri-tech and food industry innovations are emerging as key areas of focus, driven by the need to address food security challenges in the region.
The COREangels MEA Approach: Hands-On Guidance with a Venture Studio Model
COREangels MEA has tailored its investment strategy to meet the unique needs of the African market. By adopting a Venture Studio model, the fund offers not just seed funding but also hands-on guidance to startups. This approach helps mitigate risks for angel investors while providing startups with the support they need to scale.
The Venture Studio model is divided into three tiers—Alpha, Sigma, and Builder—each designed to cater to startups at different stages of development. This structure allows COREangels MEA to provide targeted support, whether a startup is in the ideation phase or is ready for market expansion.
Moreover, the funds' focus on impact investment aligns with the motivations of many African angel investors, who are keen on making a difference in their home countries. By providing a platform that combines financial investment with mentorship, COREangels MEA is well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the region.
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About COREangels MEA
COREangels MEA is an Angel Portfolio Fund jointly partnered with COREangels international and PTS investments holdings. This partnership seeks to connect and support a diverse range of stakeholders, including business angels, early-stage investors, entrepreneurs, venture studios, and corporates in the Middle East and Africa, all united by their passion for investing in tech-disruptive innovations.
About Leaders Meetings
Leaders Meetings are bi-monthly online events exclusively for COREangels Fund Leaders.
Climate Tech Deals & Trends across Europe
Maha Mandour on Middle East Unicorns & Startup Trends To Follow
In this COREangels Leaders Meeting session, Maha M. delves into the strategic activities and insights from COREangels MEA , highlighting the fund's impactful investments across the Middle East and Africa.
Jo?o Montenegro on What AI Is And Its Current State
In this COREangels Leaders Meeting session, Jo?o Montenegro explores the evolution and impact of Artificial Intelligence, providing deep insights into its historical context and future potential.
VC10X Podcast W/Cintia Mano
Cintia Mano 's first "Venture Capital Podcast" appearance sees her explore what angel funds are, their differences from angel syndicates and VC funds and why they’re ideal for new investors, while also discussing who should consider angel investing and how COREangels supports angel funds globally.
Angel Fund Launchpad
Angel Fund Launchpad program is expanding to seven new locations: Madrid, Barcelona, Estonia, Prague, Warsaw, Valencia, and Malaga.
Our new Angel Fund Leaders in these cities will benefit from a supportive global community, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to earn from fund fees while driving the growth of local startups. Don't miss your chance to be part of a diverse community of COREangels fund managers!
We accept applications from Emerging and Experienced Fund Managers, VCs, Experienced Angel Investors, Portfolio Managers, and Family Offices worldwide.
??? Apply
??? Community Perks
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10% discount on all memberships for co-work, travel, and events in 100+ cities
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