Breaking Barriers: How Women Are Redefining Angel Investing Across Borders

"Are you really telling me you need to earn $300,000, $400,000 to be able to decide if you can invest $2,500? It absolutely does not make sense." - Maaike Doyer

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In the dynamic world of startup funding, the participation of female investors remains underrepresented. Maaike Doyer is changing this through her groundbreaking work at Epic Angels .? Epic Angels is an investment network that boasts nearly 300 female investors from 27 countries, all focused on investing in and supporting startups across in Asia Pacific. This network not only demonstrates the growing power and potential of women in angel investing but also emphasizes the critical role of supportive communities in driving change.?

With a profound personal passion for travel and a professional mission intertwined, Doyer's business experiences across 68 countries have been instrumental in expanding Epic Angels' global footprint and impact. As they challenge outdated investment regulations and champion the cause of education and access, Epic Angels is not just investing in businesses but is also deeply invested in empowering women to have greater impact in the world of startups.

The Asia Tech Podcast recently spoke to Maaike and here are five key take aways from that conversation .

1. The Power of Female Networks in Angel Investing: Epic Angels has grown to almost 300 female investors across 27 countries, focusing solely on investments in the Asia Pacific region. This growth highlights the untapped potential of women in angel investing and the importance of creating a supportive network. Maaike's personal passion for travel and her experience in visiting over 68 countries have played a significant role in expanding Epic Angels' reach, demonstrating how personal interests can intersect with professional missions to create impactful outcomes.
2. Challenging Traditional Investment Regulations: Maaike is fired up about the regulatory challenges faced by potential investors. Many countries have stringent criteria for who qualifies as an accredited or sophisticated investor, often based on income or asset thresholds. Maaike is pushing to change these regulations because they are outdated and not reflective of individuals' capabilities to make informed investment decisions. She advocates for more inclusive criteria that would allow a wider range of individuals, especially women and younger investors, to participate in angel investing, emphasizing the need for regulation to evolve with changing market dynamics and investment practices.
3. Education and Access as Tools for Empowerment: Maaike passionately believes in the importance of education and access in empowering more women to become angel investors. By providing educational resources, Epic Angels aims to demystify the investment process. Initiatives like their "Ask Me Anything" sessions and collaboration with academic institutions to potentially develop certified courses on investing are steps toward making investment knowledge more accessible and encouraging more women to become angel investors.
4. The Importance of a Supportive Ecosystem: The discussion highlighted the critical role of a supportive ecosystem in encouraging female participation in angel investing. This includes not just networks like Epic Angels but also regulatory bodies, educational institutions, and other angel investment groups. Collaboration among these stakeholders can lead to more investment opportunities and regulatory frameworks that recognize the diversity of investors’ backgrounds and experiences. Check THIS out from Katherine Clayton !
5. Personal Drive and Passion as Catalysts for Change: At the heart of Maaike Doyer's journey is her unwavering passion for making a difference and challenging the status quo. Her story is a testament to the power of personal drive in effecting change within industries traditionally underrepresented by women. By leveraging her experiences and insights, she is not only contributing to the growth of female-led investments but also inspiring others to follow suit.

The growth of Epic Angels is a testament to the transformative power of female-led networks in the field of angel investing. By growing a vibrant community of nearly 300 female investors from around the world, Epic Angels has spotlighted the significant role of women in shaping the startup ecosystem, particularly in Asia Pacific. Maaike's innovative approach, which combines her passion for travel with her professional goals, has enabled Epic Angels to extend its influence globally, breaking down the traditional barriers that have until now hindered women's participation in angel investing.

Listen to the full conversation on Spotify , Apple Podcasts or any podcast app that has an RSS feed.

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