Angels and alternatives. A good combination? We thought so when the idea for this event came up but we didn’t realise just how much of a buzz and community there was around this connection. Angels, those investing their personal capital in start-ups, in the alternative investing community (not just hedge but private equity, venture capital, real estate and family offices too) are in deep supply. It makes perfect sense really – we hone our professional investing capabilities on a daily basis and the application of these skills on personal, smaller scale, is an obvious option for looking after our own nest eggs.
The start-up scene is thriving in London and there has never been more opportunity and an easier way to access promising fledgeling businesses and entrepreneurs. Not only are Londoners innovating like never before the UK’s SEIS and EIS schemes mean that personal investment into the start-up scene has never been more attractive. SEIS/EIS are the government’s tax incentive schemes built to encourage individual investment in new business – read more here.
We hosted our Angels and Alternatives evening at The Chilterns – a spectacular and award winning development from Galliard Homes. One of the groups finest and most glamorous developments, The Chilterns is located in Marylebone (on ‘the coolest street in Britain’) and provides just 44 sumptuous residences, interior-designed by international designer Rabih Hage and housed within a building designed by world-renowned architects Squire & Partners. Featuring an art gallery lobby with bespoke works by David Bailey.
On the evening we had a packed guest list of Angels and a select handful of eager start-ups networking over sushi, sake and champagne. We also heard from Jeff Kalisky, COO of angel investing and crowdfunding platform Seedrs and from Galliard founder and patriarch Steven Conway.
In addition to a lively and thriving crowd, a very special draw was held where three lucky guests walked away with: a year’s membership to BXR gym, a private tour and tasting of Berry Bros & Rudd Wine in St James and not one but two Henry Hate paintings. Quite a haul, even by HB standards!
Angels and Alternatives was a roaring success and we will return soon.