Join the state's premier angel investing cohort to sharpen your skills and continue to build your personal network.
We’re back with a twist!
Catalyst Angel MN Cohort is in its third year empowering emerging angel investors who identify as Black, Latinx, and/or women to further their knowledge about investing. Cohort participants gain a deeper understanding of angel investing while connecting with local peers.
New in 2024 we are adding a second cohort and providing industry sector focuses in healthcare and consumer packaged goods (CPG). These are verticals in which Minnesota has a home field advantage and unique aspects for angel investors to understand.
Each cohort includes 6 virtual courses through Angel Capital Association's "Angel University" (all expenses paid & valued at $1450), 2+ in-person events, Angel Capital Association individual membership, and more.
Program Requirements
- Self-identify as Black, Latinx, and/or a woman
- 2 years or less of angel investing experience
- Be an accredited investor
- Reside in Minnesota
- Commit to completing the six required Angel Capital Association basic courses
Get Started
If interested, fill out the Interest Form by July 8 (for the summer cohort) or August 16 (for the fall cohort.
If you are looking for more information, watch the recording of our Virtual Informational Session to learn more. Otherwise, you can email Xiaoyang Hu with questions about the cohorts: xiaoyang@groovecap.com
Timeline
Summer Cohort - Consumer Packaged Goods
- July 8: Interest Form Deadline
- July 18: Breakfast Cohort Kickoff (in-person)
- July 22 - Aug 26: 6 On Demand Angel University Classes.
Suggested 1 course per week, which participants can work through on their own time, virtually. - Aug 8: CPG Boot Camp & Naturally Watch Party (in-person)
- Aug 20: Positive Impact, Positive Results Webinar with BMO
- Sept 12: Pitches & Graduation Happy Hour (in-person)
Review local CPG startups w/ subject matter experts, capped
with a "graduation" happy hour. - Sept 18: Angel Fest Fall Investor Rally (in-person)
Watch local startups pitch and have the opportunity to invest.
This event is part of Twin Cities Startup Week.
Fall Cohort Timeline - Healthcare
- Aug 16: Interest Form Deadline (extended from July 19)
- Aug 20: Positive Impact, Positive Results Webinar with BMO
- Aug 28: Cohort Kickoff (in-person)
- Sept 18: Angel Fest Fall Investor Rally (in-person)
Watch local startups pitch and have the opportunity to invest.
This event is part of Twin Cities Startup Week. - Sept 17 - Oct 22: 6 Virtual Angel University Classes. 1 course a week on Tuesday. Participants log in to class with angels from across the nation. The classes are recorded if there is a scheduling conflict.
- September 17, 2024 – Fundamentals
- September 24, 2024 – Risks
- October 1, 2024 – Angel Returns
- October 8, 2024 – Due Diligence
- October 15, 2024– Term Sheets
- October 22, 2024 – Valuation
- Nov 7: Graduation
Dates may be subject to change.
Background
TechTown Detroit’s Catalyst Angel Program is on a mission to help emerging angel investors in the Great Lakes Region who identify as Black, Latinx, and/or women gain knowledge about
Investing.
The Minnesota Cohort, led by Groove Investment Group and Forge North and supported by BMO, connects Catalyst Angel Program participants who are based in Minnesota with each other.
This is the third year the organizations have been collaborating on the Catalyst Angel MN Cohort. To date we’ve had 50 Minnesota participants.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if I'm an accredited investor?
A: We're glade you asked. Check out Groove's blog, What the heck is an "Accredited Investor" anyway?
Q: Do I need to be a member of Groove Investment Group, or any other local angel networks, to join?
A: Nope, just come curious to learn more about angel investing and/or sharpen your skills.
Q: If I don't have a strong preference between CPG or healthcare, which cohort should I pick?
A: I'd suggest going with which ever cohort better fits your personal schedule.
The ACA course content is the same between both cohorts, it's the in-person events that get into the industry sector discussions. The summer courses are OnDemand (meaning you login when you want), so that cohort will provide the most flexibility. Whereas, the fall courses are taught live via zoom. The live courses allow for more real-time engagement and Q&A, but the flipside is less schedule flexibility.
Q: Will my personal information, provided in the application, be shared?
A: No, the information collected in the application is only viewable to TechTown Detroit program managers, who are responsible for screening applicants. Program data may be used in aggregate form for grant reporting purposes, but will not be shared otherwise.
