Open Angel Forum Boston

Venalytica was honored to be selected a finalist for the Open Angel Forum in Boston. I was happy to attend and meet new people. The other 5 companies were represented by a fine group of entrepreneurs with great ideas and powerful demonstrations. Networking with them and learning about their different challenges was illuminating.

Boston can be a tough place for startups. While there are many Angel groups, they often see themselves as mini VC's more interested in fund management than nurturing new companies. The OAF model seemed to be to try and find actual high net worth "angels" who are checkbook-ready.

I would say about half of the attendees fit that description. The other half were angel group directors of members looking for deal stream. I had previously either presented to their groups or contacted them. It was discouraging to see some of them caucus with the investors instead of taking the opportunity to mingle with the entrepreneurs who took time to hone their demos, some traveling from as far as Montreal and San Francisco.

Still, there was some interest expressed for Venalytica and the other companies and you never know what networking opportunity arose as a result. Overall I would call it worthwhile and a good use of time.