International Angel Investors to descend on Gold Coast for National Conference

Representatives from the world’s largest Angel Investor groups and networks and some of the country’s most innovative companies will descend on the Gold Coast next month for the industry’s national conference.

Representatives from Mumbai Angels, the largest angel investment group in the world, and New Zealand’s ICE Angels, the largest Angel Group in Australasia, will join a number of other international speakers and guests from China, Singapore, the UK, Canada and the US at the 6^th Australian National Conference on Angel Investment.

The Australian Association of Angel Investors (AAAI) national conference is sponsored by the Gold Coast Innovation Centre (GCIC) and hosted by the city’s Angel Investor group, Gold Coast Angels.

This is the first time the national conference will be held on the Gold Coast and bolsters the city’s ambitions to be known as a key innovation hub.

GCIC CEO and chairman of the conference committee, Andrew Loch, says securing the conference and international representation is a coup for the city and the Angel Investor network nationally.

“The Gold Coast has long promoted itself as a hotbed for innovation and entrepreneurship, and having the opportunity to host what is the key convention for start up companies and early stage investors reinforces this view,” Mr Loch says.

“As a city we already have significant investment in innovation including the GCIC, programs within the City Council and partners such as Griffith University.

“High-calibre speakers, a series of workshops and a showcase of emerging companies will all make the conference an invaluable experience for anyone interested in the industry.”

The emerging companies showcase will bring together approximately 30 innovative businesses from around Australia, and includes $10,000 in delegate-selected prizes and the opportunity to network with conference delegates.

The conference’s professional development workshops, delivered by Fellows of the Australian Association of Angel Investors, are aimed at assisting professional services such as accountants and lawyers and new Angel Investors to understand the issues behind early stage investing including the investment process, risk management and valuations.

Jordan Green, Chairman of AAAI says Angel Investing represents a different approach to private equity investing and active Angel Investors are at the forefront of new models and methods, investing to grow the value of emerging technology-based and other companies for future high economic returns.

“The AAAI National Angels Conference is the only national event for Angel Investors and it provides a unique opportunity for anyone interested in this activity to network and share experiences with other Angels from Australia and overseas,” Mr Green says.

The 6^th Australian National Angel Conference will be held from 20 to 22 February at the Royal Pines Resort Convention Centre.

For more information or to register visit www.aaai.net.au or call (07) 5552 7289.

For all media enquiries contact Bruce Nelson on 0423 403 449.