Angel Investors Unite, Your Insider View to COREangels Night and Beyond
In this issue, we're preparing for COREangels Night and our "Business Angels Talks" series continues to deliver thought-provoking discussions. We spotlight our global portfolio companies, WSense, Acqustic, and Caplena. Jorge Martínez-Arroyo, leader of COREangels EnterpriseTech, was honored for his work in customer experience at the 10th International DEC Congress. Learn about his groundbreaking presentation on CX disruption. Thank you for being part of the COREangels community. Your support continues to drive the success of our portfolio startups.
Happy Angel Investing!
Get Ready for the Event of the Year, COREangels Night
COREangels Night is not just an event; it's an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. It's an exclusive gathering of our global community members, investors, entrepreneurs, business angels, fund leaders, and startups coming together against the stunning backdrop of Lisbon's historic city center.
This event is exclusively for our community members, and there is no need for a Web Summit ticket to attend.
More than 80 COREangels angel investors, startup founders and fund managers from COREangels Lisbon , COREangels Barcelona , COREangels Madrid , COREangels Atlantic , COREangels EduTech , COREangels Climate , COREangels Big Data & AI Europe , COREangels MEA , COREangels EnterpriseTech and COREangels Health Equity and Mental Wellbeing are attending COREangels Night.
How To Join COREangels Night
??? November 13, 2023
? 18:00- 22:00 GMT
*COREangels Community have received an email invitation to create a members account and access the guest list. Reach out to Ela Zohrevandi if you need help setting up your account.
Mastering the Trade-Offs of Creating Your Angel Fund
This workshop is your compass in the complex world of early-stage funds. Join us to learn about the secrets of angel fund management success, explore critical decisions, and connect with fellow emerging fund leaders.
You Will Learn About
How To Join the Workshop
??? November 28, 2023
? 17:00 GMT
About Angel Fund Launchpad
A Guided program for Fund Managers, VCs, Angel Investors, Portfolio Managers, and Family Offices to open their angel fund as part of a global community.
Learn How to Successfully Launch Your Angel Fund
Many experienced Angel Investors and Startup Mentors who are part of Angel Networks have thought of launching their own angel fund!
Join us in an info session that's designed to empower aspiring fund managers like you. And here's the icing on the cake: Our previous graduates are now flourishing as successful fund managers, seamlessly integrated into the COREangels community of angel fund leaders. This could be your journey too!
How To Join The Info Session
??? November 21, 2023
? 12:00- 13:00 ET
About Angel Fund Launchpad
A Guided program for Fund Managers, VCs, Angel Investors, Portfolio Managers, and Family Offices to open their angel fund as part of a global community.
WSense is Connecting the Depths with COREangels Climate
COREangels Climate is more than just a group of angel investors. It's a hub for driving climate tech innovation in the southern European region. Their commitment to establishing a pioneering climate tech ecosystem in Italy is already bearing fruit. By co-creating initiatives like IT's Climate , they are creating a space for talented Italian founders and investors to come together and work towards innovative solutions for climate change.
The recent IT's Climate event, held on October 11, 2023, an invite-only meetup served as a collaborative platform where founders and investors connected, shared insights, and explored cutting-edge solutions in the climate tech sector is the kind of dedication that creates a sense of community and collaboration, essential for tackling climate change effectively.
Investing in Climate Tech Startups
COREangels Climate doesn't just talk the talk; they walk the walk by investing in early-stage startups that are contributing to the fight against climate change. One such startup that they've co-invested in is WSense.
WSENSE , an Italian deep-tech company, is on a mission to revolutionize underwater monitoring and communication systems. The company, which began its journey at the University of Sapienza in Rome, has developed innovative technologies that have paved the way for the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT). Their underwater network technology has garnered attention for its reliability and performance, enabled by a combination of acoustic communication and optical LED technologies.
WSense 's devices are packed with sensors, measuring crucial parameters like temperature, salinity, and methane, making them indispensable for real-time monitoring of underwater environments. Their technology has applications in various sectors, from aquaculture to environmental research and even enhancing the diving experience.
The Ocean's Potential
WSense 's ?technology has not gone unnoticed. They recently raised €9 million in funding, spearheaded by SWEN Blue Ocean, with participation from several other investors, including COREangels Climate . This substantial investment will feed WSense 's international expansion, allowing them to reach new horizons and create an even more significant impact on our planet.
The applications of WSense 's technology are diverse, ranging from critical infrastructure monitoring to real-time environmental data collection. This is not just about innovation; it's about leveraging technology to protect our oceans and combat climate change. WSense is playing a crucial role in unlocking the ocean's untapped potential, and COREangels Climate is right there with them, supporting their mission.
Looking to the Future
COREangels Climate and startups like WSense are defining the standard for the Internet of Underwater Things and climate tech innovation. Their efforts extend beyond investment; they are paving the way for a more sustainable future, where technology is harnessed to protect our planet.
As Federico Giannetti, PhD Leader of COREangels Climate , rightfully points out, there's an urgency to apply these solutions. Ignoring the state of our oceans and climate change is not an option. The dedication of angel funds like COREangels Climate and pioneering startups like WSense remind us that we must act today because it may be too late tomorrow.
The impact of COREangels Climate and startups like WSense is not limited to Italy or Southern Europe; it's a global effort to combat climate change and protect our planet. With every investment and initiative, they move one step closer to creating a greener and more sustainable future for us all.
Source: TECH.EU
Investing in Disruptive Solutions for Customer and Talent Engagement
In the world of angel investing, some individuals stand out as pioneers, contributing not only to their portfolios but also to their industry. Jorge Martínez-Arroyo , the Leader of COREangels EnterpriseTech , is one such figure, with a journey, fueled by passion for customer experience (CX) and entrepreneurship.
About COREangels EnterpriseTech
COREangels EnterpriseTech is a group of seasoned angels dedicated to early-stage startups in both Europe and the United States. What sets them apart is their focus on a unique investment thesis – the Total Experience. This approach is centered around identifying and supporting startups that offer disruptive solutions for customer engagement, acquisition, retention, and talent engagement.
Jorge Martínez-Arroyo, the founder of COREangels EnterpriseTech , boasts an impressive resume. He is a member of the IESE Business Angel Network and a graduate of the 2022 Angel Fund Launchpad program. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found DEC (#1 Corporate CX/EX Association), where he served as president for nine years.
His extensive background also includes being the Director of Strategy & Transformation at Santander, where he further honed his skills in strategy and innovation. In 2019, Jorge graduated from the VCUnlocked program at Stanford, cementing his position as a thought leader in the world of angel investing.
The 10th International DEC Congress
This event brought together over 1,000 professionals, each dedicated to promoting the discipline of CX in their daily activities.
The lineup of speakers at the congress was nothing short of remarkable. It featured the likes of Nobel laureate Richard H. Thaler, renowned for his contributions to behavioral economics. The event had exceptional speakers who discussed the importance of understanding human behavior in delivering superior customer experiences.
During the event, Patricia Jiménez Morente , Vice President of DEC, took the opportunity to honor Jorge Martínez-Arroyo. As one of the founding partners of DEC and its president for nearly a decade, he was named the Honorary President of the Asociación DEC .
领英推荐
COREangels EnterpriseTech, Investing in the Future
COREangels EnterpriseTech 's presence as a Platinum sponsor at the DEC Congress further demonstrates its commitment to nurturing startups that excel in the realm of customer experience. Their involvement in events like this shows their dedication to identifying and supporting game-changing companies that prioritize the customer journey.
Jorge Martínez-Arroyo's presentation at the 10th International DEC Congress focused on the disruption in the world of customer experience (CX) and how it's poised to impact industries, including customer experience itself. In the presentation, Jorge discussed various issues in the CX landscape and introduced innovative solutions that are changing the game.
The Disruption in Customer Experience
Jorge began by discussing disruption in the business world, explaining that disruption allows smaller companies with fewer assets to challenge and question the business models of larger, well-established corporations. He highlighted that various industries have experienced disruption, such as marketing, music, e-commerce, and more. However, he emphasized the need to understand where the CX industry stands in the disruption landscape.
Jorge pointed out that customer experience itself could undergo disruption, much like marketing did when digital marketing emerged. He highlighted the emergence of smaller companies capable of delivering superior customer experiences that could challenge well-established businesses.
Navigating the Disruption
The presentation shifted to a discussion of how to address disruption within an industry. Jorge introduced a matrix that helped distinguish what we know and don't know. It featured two axes, one for awareness and one for depth of knowledge. He explained that the goal is to work on what we know we know, acknowledge what we know we don't know, and understand the unknown unknowns.
He exemplified these four quadrants with real-world scenarios and experiences that individuals or industries might encounter. This matrix assists in guiding investments, assessing importance, and identifying necessary actions.
Introduction of COREangels EnterpriseTech
Jorge Martinez-Arroyo then introduced COREangels EnterpriseTech , an angel fund specializing in new technologies related to customer and employee experiences. He discussed how the fund aims to identify, observe, evaluate, and invest in disruptive solutions that focus on customer and talent acquisition, retention, and engagement.
He presented a few examples of small companies with disruptive capabilities, some of which the fund had invested in, while others were merely observed. These examples demonstrated the impact of innovative technologies on customer experience.
Addressing Industry Pain Points
Jorge concluded by acknowledging that the customer experience industry still faces numerous challenges and issues that need solving. He identified three specific pain points:
Innovative Solutions for Customer and Employee Experience
Jorge introduced solutions that address these pain points and showed how they offer new, innovative ways to enhance the customer and employee experience. These technologies utilize AI, biometrics, and real-time data analysis to streamline operations and deliver more personalized, efficient, and satisfying experiences.
The presentation concluded by highlighting the potential for technology to create significant positive changes in the realms of customer and employee experience. As the landscape continues to evolve, companies that embrace these disruptive solutions will be better positioned to succeed in an ever-changing market.
Reshaping Both the Future of CX and Angel Investment
Jorge Martínez-Arroyo and COREangels EnterpriseTech are not just names in the world of angel investing; they are symbols of passion, innovation, and commitment to a brighter future. Jorge's journey from founding DEC to leading COREangels EnterpriseTech reflects the power of a vision driven by customer-centricity and entrepreneurial spirit. COREangels EnterpriseTech continues to lead the way in supporting startups that are set to transform the customer and talent experience, shaping the future of business.
If you're an entrepreneur looking for investment, or an investor passionate about disruptive solutions in customer and talent engagement, COREangels EnterpriseTech is a name to remember. As they say, the future belongs to those who invest in shaping it, and Jorge Martínez-Arroyo and his team are dedicated to doing just that.
The Meteoric Rise of COREangels Barcelona's Acqustic
One of COREangels Barcelona 's standout portfolio companies, Acqustic , has been turning heads with its impressive achievements. This angel-backed startup is rewriting the rules of the music industry, taking I?igo Quintero's song, "...Si No Estás," to unprecedented heights. This Spanish gem has not only become the most played song in Spain but has also cracked the prestigious TOP TEN list on the global stage.
When Acqustic took I?igo Quintero under its wings, the song barely managed 1,000 plays a day. Fast forward, and the numbers have skyrocketed into the millions. It's a testament to the tireless work and dedication of the team at Acqustic and their unwavering support from COREangels Barcelona .
A Victory Worth Celebrating
The success of "…Si No Estás" by I?igo Quintero has brought Acqustic in the same league as internationally renowned artists like Bad Bunny, Quevedo, Aitana in Spain, and Miley Cyrus on a global scale. Such remarkable feats do not go unnoticed. Even Mediaset Espa?a, one of the nation's leading TV channels, recognized this phenomenal achievement, and it's a testament to the transformative power of angel investment.
Watch the Mediaset Espa?a coverage here.
The COREangels Barcelona Advantage
COREangels Barcelona is part of the wider COREangels network, and their investment thesis is clear: to identify and support early-stage Spanish startups in the pre-seed and seed stages. Their strategy revolves around sector and technology diversification as a means to mitigate risk. But what sets them apart is their unwavering focus on backing entrepreneurs with a proven product-market fit, high scalability, and a track record of upward traction. They prioritize innovation, business creation, and unique business models, making them the go-to choice for innovative startups in Spain.
A Guiding Light
At the helm of COREangels Barcelona is Urs Rothmayr , a luminary in the startup ecosystem. His relentless dedication to supporting entrepreneurs has established him as a prominent figure in the Barcelona startup community. Urs understands the journey and the challenges that early-stage startups face, making him an empathetic and effective leader.
With a wealth of experience, Urs Rothmayr actively participates in various phases of startup analysis, decision-making, and ongoing support. This hands-on approach ensures that startups in their portfolio receive not only financial backing but also the mentorship and guidance they need to thrive.
COREangels Barcelona 's mission is clear: to bring innovative investment opportunities to those motivated by groundbreaking technology, business creation, and differentiated business models. They've already begun to revolutionize the Spanish startup scene, and Acqustic's success is a shining example of what this dynamic angel group can achieve.
In the world of startups, success stories like Acqustic serve as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs and a testament to the crucial role of angel investors. COREangels Barcelona 's dedication to supporting startups and Urs Rothmayr's visionary leadership make them a powerful force driving innovation in the Barcelona startup ecosystem. As we watch the startup landscape evolve, COREangels Barcelona 's commitment to fostering innovation and transformation cannot be overlooked.
COREangels Big Data & AI's Caplena Turns Customer Feedback into Actionable Insights
Caplena , a Swiss-based company that is making waves in the field of market research and customer feedback analysis is the new investment of COREangels Big Data & AI Europe . Founded by two visionary individuals, Maurice Gonzenbach and Pascal de Buren, Caplena is using the power of artificial intelligence to help enterprises better understand their customers by converting open-ended feedback into actionable insights.
The Genesis of Caplena
The journey of Caplena began with a significant achievement by co-founder Maurice Gonzenbach . He earned his master's degree in Computational Science & Engineering from 瑞士苏黎世联邦理工学院 and furthered his expertise by winning the prestigious international SemEval Contest in 2016 with his Master thesis on sentiment classification. This accolade marked the inception of his exploration into the realm of Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Teaming up with Pascal de Buren , a Machine Learning Engineer with a specialization in Natural Language and Computer Vision, the two entrepreneurs recognized a crucial gap in the market research industry. Market Research firms, like Link and Success Drivers, were struggling with open-ended survey coding, a common challenge faced by enterprises dealing with customer feedback. Caplena ,'s founders saw the need for a solution that could streamline the process of analyzing large volumes of free-text data.
In just four months, Maurice and Pascal developed the first prototype of Caplena ,. From there, the journey of Caplena , took off rapidly, and since its establishment in the spring of 2017, the company has consistently doubled the number of text responses it processes every six months. With over 50 million verbatims processed to date, Caplena , has expanded its services to companies in more than 15 countries.
Caplena's Remarkable Clientele
The success of Caplena speaks volumes about the value it brings to its clients. Serving a diverse range of businesses, from rapidly growing startups like Joyn to industry giants such as eBay and DHL, Caplena has achieved customer loyalty. The company's commitment to trust and innovation remains at the core of everything they do. Their mission is clear: to support any insight team that analyzes open-ended feedback, regardless of the type or volume of data.
COREangels Big Data & AI
But the success story doesn't end with Caplena . The startup's journey is intricately linked to the support it received from COREangels Big Data & AI Europe . This group of angel investors is dedicated to identifying and nurturing the most promising Big Data and AI startups in Switzerland and Europe.
Dr. David Griesbach , the managing partner of COREangels Big Data & AI Europe , is not only a visionary investor but also a thought leader in the field of entrepreneurship. His recently released book, the "Lean Innovation Guide ," is making waves globally. This book introduces the Lean Progress Model, a powerful tool for founders and investors to judge and steer the progress of startups aiming for rapid success.
The Lean Innovation Guide takes the Lean Startup methodology to the next level, providing invaluable insights for founders, investors, and corporate innovators. Now available in English worldwide, this book is poised to transform the way startups approach their journey to success.
You can find out more and order it here: www.leaninnovationguide.com
Our Recently Invested Startups
smart monitoring of critical assets using a global deployment of self-powered IoT devices
Founder: Gonzalo Murillo
the fastest way to get insights out of open-ended customer feedback
Founders: Maurice Gonzenbach and Pascal de Buren