News & Stories
Embracing Radical Candor
This post for our monthly newsletter, or "Kate's Korner," as I have been calling it, is being brought to you from a classroom at Western University, where I have been fortunate enough to attend a leadership program. The topic of one of the sessions...
AIO and the OSC to Work on New Investor Education Initiatives
TORONTO – Angel Investors Ontario (AIO) announced today that The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is providing $189,000 in funding for the development of investor education initiatives. Angel Investors Ontario will use the funding to develop...
Vanishing Acts: How to Handle a ‘Ghosting’ as an Angel Investor
Investing in startups sometimes feels like hunting for ghosts – elusive and mysterious! And nobody likes to be left in the dark. But sometimes, investors find themselves on the receiving end of an unexpected and disappointing phenomenon: being...
What’s the deal with ESOPs?
ESOP = Employee Stock Option Plan. An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that enables employees to own part or all of the company they work for at fair market value.
You can think of stock in a startup like a slice of pie. You want that first slice- fresh and hot out of the oven. And that is where stock options come in, as they allow employees to own a “slice” before others.
A Love Letter to Women Founders
1992, the Government of Canada designated October Women's History Month. This is not to be confused with "International Women's Day," which takes place in March.This year's theme, Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women, emphasizes the...
Why You Should Consider Joining an Angel Group This Season
Ontario’s angel groups are community-based and locally organized. They help to create the infrastructure for the community. Angel groups are social spaces that create a culture of innovation, conversation, and action. Angel groups create the social...
Julie Ellis: From Labels to Angels
Julie Ellis' story starts humbly in a basement in Hamilton, ON. Read on to find out how her Big Gorgeous Goals led her to the world of Angel Investing. This is a great story about how a founder exited and was able to put their money back into the...
What is the Number One Skill for Investors?
I can't get past that brand-new feeling of starting a new school year in September. There is still a bit of excitement left in buying a new sweater or notebook. Since it is 'Back to School' season, I wanted to discuss what is one of the top skills...
Startup Funding Round Terminology
Pre-seed, seed, angel round, bridge round, series A, series D, mezzanine… You will hear many of these terms when you start raising money for your business. It can be complicated to understand and determine if you are a pre-seed or seed company- but...
The Benefits of Mentoring
This post was originally published in the August, 2023 edition of the AIO monthly newsletter by Kate Tomen, VP, Business and Operations. To get updates on everything angel investing in Ontario, subscribe to receive our newsletter directly here....
Find an Angel Group
If the idea of joining a community of professionals and industry leaders, investing in innovative start-ups, and providing mentorship to promising entrepreneurs interests you, click below to explore your nearest angel group.
Interested in becoming an Angel?
If the idea of joining a community of professionals and industry leaders, investing in innovative start-ups, and providing mentorship to promising entrepreneurs interests you, click below to explore your nearest angel group.