| Italian angel flies into help Lisa Airplanes reach the skies |
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14th January 2008 Lisa Airplanes, founded in 2005 is developing a new airplane technology under the leadership of fellow entrepreneurs Erick HERZBERGER and Luc BERNOLE, with the objective of providing an ultra-light aircraft (l'AKOYA) for leisure and business, dedicated to a high range of users. It has already won awards for its - - Intellectual Property (Multi-access: ground, water, snow; Ri&Flex: technology for very short landing ; pivoting wings for easier parking) and its unique design who gives to the AKOYA a real international interest on both sides of the Atlantic. This is the second major round of funding the company has received and the first which includes a cross-border investment by a business angel from another country. The round has been structured so that €400,000 will be invested immediately and a further €800,000 in spring 2008, when certain milestones are met. The funding follows six months of negotiations with investors as a direct result of the second EASY Project investment meeting in Helsinki. “We are delighted that the efficacy of seeking investment from business angels across the EU for some of the best entrepreneurial companies in the region has now been proved” said Guy Rigaud. “Lisa Airplanes’ new Italian investor does not just bring money to the table but also his experience of industry and his network in Italy which is one of best potential market in Europe.” The EASY Project is led by GLE Enterprises, based in London and has 17 partners across the EU from 11 different countries. To date it has held investment meetings in Paris, Helsinki and Lisbon and over the next 3 months will also hold further events in Milan and Barcelona. Andrea di Anselmo, Vice President of META Group, one of the EASY Partners based in Italy, said: “To have an Italian business angel spearhead cross border investment through the EASY Project is a great achievement. We have a thriving business angel investment community in Italy and the Lisa Airplanes deal shows that our angels are very open and receptive to the best deals – wherever they may be located. “We are now looking forward to hearing about the first Italian based company to receive investment from a non-Italian business angel or seed fund.” To date around 75 companies have presented to over 300 early stage investors and business angels at the various EASY Project investment meetings. Several of the companies that have presented are in negotiations with the investors they have met as a result of the presentations made at the meetings. New investments will be announced as they close over the next few months. |