How did you become an angel investor?

Well I started years ago as an entrepreneur and Zernike Group gave me a lot of help. Then later on I started getting involved with backing start-ups. Last year they invited me to the EASY investment forum in Helsinki which I very much enjoyed.

Why did you decide to invest overseas?

It was the opportunity that I came across in Helsinki! I met 360cities and followed through on that investment which completed earlier this year. I have also decided that I want to continue meeting entrepreneurs and investors from different countries.


What do you think the EASY project contributes to the pan European early stage investment market?

First I think it brings people together at the Investment Forums. It is very helpful if you are a business angel to learn how other business angels operate. You also get the opportunity to meet foreign companies. I have learned a lot from my 360geocities investment, especially about the differences in international law!


What is your opinion of the quality and variety of opportunities at the EASY investment forums you have attended?

I have attended events in Helsinki and in Milan and will be coming to London later this year.

The forums are very well organized and there are many different types of companies that present themselves. I think that many of the ideas are good, but the entrepreneurs still need to be better at convincing you in just 10 minutes that you should back them!


What tips would you give to a business angel looking to invest overseas?
The most important thing is to get enough information at the EASY investment forum, not just a copy of the business plan and the presentation. You also need to make good arrangements before you start on how the investment process will be managed. Historically the definition of BA investor was they are more involved in the business, but you cannot be that involved if you are abroad, so you need to have very good communications in place or be local or travel a lot!