BBAA News

Business Angel Investing

Business Angels: A key source of finance

Angel investment is the most important source of capital for start-ups and early stage businesses in the UK. The BBAA estimates there are approximately 15,000 angel investors operating in the current market, investing nearly £1 billion per annum.

Angel investment was recognised by the Prime Minister as the most important source of capital for start-up and early stage businesses at a major event held at No 10 Downing St, last Friday, 10^th February. The event which was hosted by David Cameron and Lord Young,  the  Enterprise Tsar,  was attended by over 100 representatives of the angel community around the UK, and notably from the British Business Angels Association, together with other main players in the SME finance market place.

Despite the gloomy economic forecasts, 2012 promises to be a landmark year for the further growth and significance of Angel investing, and offers a vital opportunity to ensure that there is a connected environment for financing enterprise in the UK. This was the theme of the Winter Investment Workshop hosted at NESTA on 26^th January attended by over 120 representatives from the Angel and early stage investment marketplace who heard from over 20 expert speakers and panellists.

BBAA are delighted to announce the relaunch of its Technical Committee this year. The Committee will be made up of our Associate Members.

Guy Rigby, head of the entrepreneurial services group at Smith & Williamson, will chair the committee. The Committee first met on Wednesday 8^th February 2012 at Smith & Williamson's London office. 10 members met and some of the issues discussed included the regulatory environment, due diligence and a new toolkit for Angel Investors.