11 Jan HBAN business angels invest median of €200,000 each in start-ups
Great to see strong angel investment across the island of Ireland. The recent HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) report indicates that the median investment by HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) angels across the island of Ireland is €200,000.
Article taken from rte.ie
A new survey from the Halo Business Angel Network shows that HBAN business angels have invested a median of €200,000 each in start-ups on the island of Ireland.
(see pictured above John Phelan, the all-island director of HBAN)
HBAN, the all-island organisation responsible for the promotion of business angel investment, is a joint initiative of Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland.
HBAN surveyed 114 business angel investors across the island of Ireland about their portfolios, expectations and plans for the future.
It found that the average angel has invested in 6.3 companies, while 66% of angels preferred to invest as part of a syndicate rather than alone.
Today’s survey also reveals that ICT and FinTech, MedTech and Life sciences were the industries that attracted the largest number of angel investors in the last 12 months.
Over the next year, angels said they will continue their interest in these sectors, while also considering industries including engineering, manufacturing and electronics (40%), food, beverages and agriculture (31%) and business services (29%).
Survey respondents said that they expect to hold shares in investee companies for an average of five and a half years.
Of those surveyed, 32% of investors report to have achieved at least one exit, while 22% are currently planning their first angel investment.
“Angel investing is high risk, but it can be extremely rewarding and that is why we see business angels investing in multiple start-ups,” commented John Phelan, all-island director of HBAN.
“Internationally, best practice would suggest a minimum of 10 investments in a personal portfolio and our survey shows that while many have already exceeded that, others are well on their way,” Mr Phelan said.
He said that HBAN was delighted to have such a high proportion of first-time angel investors registered, which he said is reflective of the continued growth of the network and the greater interest seen in angel investing.
“One of the primary reasons for this is that angels tend to invest in syndicates, sharing deep domain knowledge across multiple sectors,” he said.
“Those with an interest in investing, and who have industry knowledge that they can impart with start-ups, are realising that they don’t need to be high-net-worth individuals to become angel investors and have a positive impact on the start-up community,” he added.
If you would like any further information about becoming a business angel in Northern Ireland, please reach out to one of our team.