StartupNOLA to Host First Access to Capital Program in Partnership with Louisiana-based Angel Investor Groups on September 18th

The Regional Summit Welcomes Louisiana Startups to a Curated Pitch Session, 

and the Public to a Networking and Educational Event

New Orleans, LA – (August 20, 2024) – StartupNOLA, in partnership with several prominent Louisiana-based angel investor groups, is excited to announce the first event in its Access to Capital Program, set to take place on Wednesday, September 18, from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC). This statewide summit will bring together Louisiana entrepreneurs, angel investors, and the public for an enriching afternoon of curated pitches, networking, and educational sessions.

The event will feature a pitching session, networking, and presentations from four angel investor groups: Gulf South Angels (GSA), Redstick Angels, New Louisiana Angel Fund 3, and the Flamingo Funders. Attendees will also hear insights from Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at Louisiana Economic Development (LED), about state programs that foster startup growth.

“This summit is a tremendous opportunity for local entrepreneurs to learn more about angel investing, to connect with potential investors, and for the community to see the vibrant innovation ecosystem we have in New Orleans,” said Evie Poitevent Sanders, Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Greater New Orleans, Inc., which oversees StartupNOLA.  “It’s not just about funding; it’s about driving economic growth and supporting entrepreneurial dreams in Louisiana.” 

The afternoon’s agenda includes:

• 8 X 8 Startup Pitches + Closed Networking, 2:30 - 4:00 PM: Eight Louisiana-based startups will have 8 minutes each to pitch to the angel investor groups, followed by a closed networking period between startups and angel investors. The group includes four startups that have not raised capital yet, followed by four that have raised under $500,000

• Networking Happy Hour, 4:00 - 4:45 PM: Open to all attendees, this will be held in the courtyard and provide an opportunity for informal networking and connection-building

• Welcome Remarks, 4:45 - 5:00 PM: Brief welcome remarks will be given by representatives from NOBIC and StartupNOLA to kick off the educational portion of the event

• LED Presentation, 5:00 - 5:10 PM: Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at LED, will provide insights on the Angel Investor Tax Credit and SSBCI programs

• Angel Investing 101, 5:10 - 5:20 PM: An introductory presentation on angel investing will offer valuable information for all attendees

• Angel Group Overviews, 5:20 - 6:00 PM: Each participating angel group will present an overview of their activities, focus areas, and investment strategies

• Angels Panel Discussion, 6:00 - 6:30 PM: A panel discussion on what entrepreneurs need to know about angel funding, followed by an open Q&A session

“The Gulf South Angels are thrilled to participate in this significant event and look forward to hearing from the talented Louisiana-based startups,” said Mike Eckert, Board Chairman of Gulf South Angels. “Events like these are essential for fostering innovation in our region and helping local entrepreneurs succeed.”

Registration is free and open to the public for the networking happy hour and following program here. Startups interested in pitching at the event should apply here by September 3rd. Applicants must be headquartered in Louisiana and actively raising funds between now and the year-end.

About StartupNOLA

StartupNOLA was created to allow startups, workers, and funders to connect in one place. Whether you’re looking for funding, a job, or just a new connection, this is the hub for entrepreneurs to find and support each other in New Orleans. StartupNOLA is a product of Greater New Orleans, Inc., the regional economic development nonprofit organization serving the 10-parish region of Southeast Louisiana.