ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a novel due diligence process for a university-based angel network. The process leveraged the culture of evaluation of the associated university’s academic entrepreneurship program as well as people associated with the program to staff the angels and due diligence staff. The resulting evaluations were highly developmental and exceptionally indepth, leading to fewer failed businesses than is typical for angel network portfolios. Implications of this approach for other angel groups are discussed, such as leveraging the social elements of the angel group and the university connection to motivate volunteers to donate significant time to due diligence and building a network of angels and volunteers to operate the network.
