Angel
Profile
Tech
Coast Angels
Who:
Luis Villalobos
Where: California
Experience: A lifelong entrepreneur who became an angel
investor 18 years ago. Started in software and logic design. Has
a master's in mathematics and a degree in electrical engineering
and computer science. Joined a startup company and became the
vice president of engineering. Following his entrepreneurial
spirit, started his own company in digital curve generation -
drawing three dimensional designs for manufacturing and retail
companies. Launched successful project for Hart, Schaffner and
Marx,men's apparel mapping three-dimensional torso for designers
to draw designs with the computer. Later directed another major
project with Hughes Aircraft in a security detection system at
airports. Later sold off interest in his company and became a
consultant and investor.
How: Became an angel investor on a referral from a
friend. First investment was with a firm that needed capital
quickly before foreclosure. Did the deal over weekend that
provided the seed money to become a highly successful business.
Second investment with Hirsh Electronics that developed a pin
number scrambler for ATM machines and office security codes.
Helped Hirsh procure patents, brought in additional investors
and invested in the company personally. Hirsh later became a
leader in the marketplace.
How Many Deals: Personally invested in 12 companies.
Started the Tech Coast Angels in California which has grown to
200 members. This active angel club has done 46 deals, investing
$37 million. Tech Coast Angels span from San Diego, Orange
County and Los Angeles. In the process of forming a fourth club
in the Santa Barbara area.
Amount of Investment: Tech Coast Angels typically invest
between $5,000-$800,000. Has invested as much as $4 million and
several from $1-$2 million.
Tips for Entrepreneurs: Believes the time is still ripe
for private investment. Need to develop a solid business plan.
Major change involves Venture Capital firms that prefer to fund
larger companies in later financing rounds. However, a growing
number of VCs are joining Tech Coast Angels individually. Tech
Coast Angels screen six potential investors a month before a
25-30 member committee. Four companies are selected to give
20-minute presentation before the angel group. If any members
are serious, a committee will do due diligence. Believes there's
strength in numbers for angels in joining angel clubs with
members that offer a wide variety of backgrounds to make more
informed investment decisions.
Contact: Welcomes inquiries from reputable startups. Send
letter of introduction to www.techcoastangels.com and luvil@home.com.
Investment
Opportunity
ACE-Net's
Hot Company Pick
Company: RAPOR
Contact: Peter Harris, President & COO, 860-223-9170
Web Address: www.rapor.com
Location: New Britain, CT 06051
Industry: Security
Product: Designed a state-of-the-art security portal -
Fast Trac - that provides unimpeded access into security areas
while rejecting and rerouting anyone who fails the programmed
protocol. When an alarm is activated indicating a person with
suspicious materials, Fast Trac bio-fold doors close separating
the person and rerouting him/her out of the traffic flow and
into an adjacent area for further processing. Fast Trac
dramatically increases security while reducing staffing costs.
Market: Installed 25 systems throughout the United States
and Europe. RAPOR has focused on five primary market areas:
airports, manufacturing buildings, courthouses, schools and
office facilities.
Product Development: First developed Fast Trac in 1995
and installed its first prototype in 1998. RAPOR's track record
has validated the product's success. RAPOR is presently
arranging agreements with Visage, a biometric technology
company, to integrate Fast Trac with facial recognition systems.
Sales Strategy: Poised for a dramatic growth and is in
the process of hiring its own direct sales force. RAPOR looks to
expand its sales to $35 million over the next four years.
Capital Requirements: Seeking $1.75 million to finance
hiring a sales force and for product development to integrate
Fast Trac with biometric technology.
Angel
Club News
SmartStart
Venture Forum
The
SmartStart Venture Forum in Albany, NY on Oct. 1-2, 2001 will
unite high-growth companies seeking early stage funding with a
variety of investors. Out of 100 applicants, 30 companies will
be chosen to participate with 15 of those selected to present
business plans. For more info, contact www.smartstartvf.com.
Silicon
Garden Angels + Investors Network
Real
Entrepreneurs Boot Camp for the Best Dozen Candidates to drill
& grill all-day long on video with Venture Capitalists,
Angels, and
Venture Developers.
August 1, 2001
NJAngels.net
Request Entrepreneurial invitation by emailing Dan Conley,
Venture Catalyst, at onCallCFO@aol.com or call 732.873.1955
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DONE
DEALS
