Angel Accelerator

Description:

Start by building a strong foundation. You’ll explore what angel investing really is, how it differs from venture capital or crowdfunding, and where angels fit in the wider startup ecosystem. Together we’ll discuss the risks and potential rewards, the realities of exits, and inspiring real-world examples of both successes and failures. By the end, you’ll understand not only how angel investing works but also why it matters in shaping the future of innovation and impact.

Goal:

Participants learn what angel investing is, what role they play in the startup ecosystem, and what realistic expectations look like.

Content:

• Definition and role of an angel investor

• Differences with VC, crowdfunding & PE

• Current trends and statistics in NL and EU

• Real examples: Success and failure stories

Learning Objectives:

• Understand risks and potential returns

• Clarify your own motivation and goals

• Understand the fundraising landscape

Description:

Every successful investor needs a compass. In this module, you’ll develop your personal investment persona & strategy: your unique set of focus areas, budgets, values, and risk appetite that guide your decisions. You’ll learn about sectors, themes, ticket sizes, diversification, and how to align your strategy with your goals. Through hands-on exercises, peer feedback, and real examples, you’ll leave with a clear strategy that reflects who you are as an investor and the impact you want to make.

Goal:

Participants develop their own investment strategy tailored to their profile, budget, and interests.

Content:

• What is an investment persona?

• Sectors, themes, regions, stages & ticket sizes

• Diversification and risk awareness

• Real-world examples of different strategies

• Hands-on exercise: define your investment persona

Learning Objectives:

• Know what you do and don’t want to invest in

• Set clear investment criteria

• Make intentional choices aligned with your values and goals

Description:

Not every exciting pitch turns into a great investment. This module trains you to look beyond the glossy deck and identify what really matters. You’ll learn how to assess startup teams, traction, business models, and scalability. You’ll practice quick-scanning a pitch in ten minutes, recognizing red flags, and asking the questions that reveal what founders don’t put on the slides. Using real case studies and live pitches, you’ll sharpen your ability to decide which opportunities are worth pursuing.

Goal:

Participants learn how to assess a pitch deck, ask the right questions, and identify red flags.

Content:

• How to find strong deals

• Key elements of a pitch deck

• Quick scan: assess a pitch in 10 minutes

• Asking critical questions to founders

• Practice case: pitch deck assessment

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the most important aspects of a pitch

• Recognize red flags

• Make an initial investment selection

Description:

The legal side of investing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. In this session, we’ll break down term sheets, cap tables, and the most common investment structures such as equity, convertible notes, and SAFEs. You’ll gain insight into key negotiation points—like valuation and dilution—so you know what to look out for. Role-play exercises and expert insights will prepare you to step into a negotiation with confidence and clarity.

Goal:

Gain basic knowledge of term sheets, typical investment structures, and key negotiation points.

Content:

• What is a term sheet?

• Key terms: valuation, dilution, cap table, CLA

• Investment types: equity, convertible notes, SAFE

• Practical tips: what to watch out for

• Role-play: negotiation simulation

Learning Objectives:

• Read and understand a term sheet

• Recognize key negotiation points

• Feel more confident when discussing terms with founders or co-investors

Description:

Writing a check is just the beginning. Angels often bring networks, expertise, and mentorship that can make the difference between a startup stalling or scaling. This module helps you define what kind of angel you want to be, based on your strengths, time, and boundaries. You’ll hear directly from founders and experienced angels about what meaningful support looks like in practice. By the end, you’ll know how to contribute value in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and impactful.

Goal:

Participants understand what role they can play post-investment and how they can add meaningful value.

Content:

• Active vs. passive angel investors

• What do founders really expect?

• Leveraging your network and expertise

• Real-world examples of value-add angels

• Setting boundaries: time, involvement and funding

Learning Objectives:

• Develop a realistic view of the angel-founder relationship

• Gain insight into your own strengths as an angel

• Define a personal plan for how you can add value

Description:

Your learning journey culminates in a Demo Day where you step into the spotlight. Participants will pitch their own investment persona and strategy, and put their skills to the test by assessing potential startup cases. Together with peers, you’ll identify red flags, ask critical questions, and reflect on how each opportunity aligns with your personal approach.

To close the program, your cohort will also select a startup for AtVenture to invest in with a share of the Accelerator’s revenue, putting your collective learning into action. The session ends with our Angel Diploma ceremony, recognizing your progress and welcoming you into the broader AtVenture angel community. It’s both a celebration and a launchpad, giving you the confidence, connections, and momentum to step forward as an angel investor.

Goal:

Practice live by pitching your investment approach, evaluating potential cases, making a collective investment decision, and celebrating progress with the Angel Diploma.

Content:

• Pitches by participants (investment personas or case reflections)

• Group assessment of potential startup cases

• Feedback rounds: what to look for, what to ask, and who’s interested

• Collective decision: selecting the startup AtVenture will invest in

• Angel Diploma ceremony and celebration

Learning Objectives:

• Practice presenting and articulating your own investment strategy

• Gain hands-on experience assessing startup cases against your thesis

• Experience making a real investment decision as a group

• Build confidence to engage in real-world investment discussions

• Strengthen community ties and celebrate achievements together