Launch Angels Opens First Fund to Invest in Equity Crowdfunded Women-led Startups

BOSTON, Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Launch Angels, an investment platform focused on equity crowdfunding deals, announces two offerings for investors seeking to back women-focused startups. First, Launch Angels and co-sponsor PayPal are hosting Finding the Bright Spots: Women & Capital, a March 4th event on how women entrepreneurs and investors are finding "bright spots" in equity. Second, Launch Angels is opening its Women-Led Fund to accredited investors. This is the first fund dedicated to searching equity crowdfunding platforms for investments in women-led startups.

Finding the Bright Spots features a panel on funding sources disrupting male-centric models. It will explore how women entrepreneurs and investors are succeeding empowered by crowdfunding, accelerators, angels and venture capital.

Kara Miller, host and executive editor of "Innovation Hub" (which airs on 89.7 WGBH and SiriusX) will moderate. The keynote will be delivered by Michelle Watson, CIO of First Republic Investment Management. Panelists include Daily Grommet CEO Jules Pieri, Techstars Managing Director Katie Rae and ClearSky Data CEO Ellen Rubin. The free event is set for 6:00-8:30 PM at One International Place, Boston, with reservations through EventBrite.

Launch Angels CEO Shereen Shermak will kick off the evening. Shermak observed, "I'm an entrepreneur and angel, so I've seen that women are underfunded and under-represented in the C-suite. But trends—including equity crowdfunding—are changing the story. Launch Angels is pleased to be part of that through this event and our Women-Led Fund. Matching angels with women-led and -focused businesses needing capital benefits women, investors and the economy."

A good example of crowdfunding at work is the event caterer, Mei Mei. This Boston-based company recently expanded their business from a food truck to a restaurant thanks to a crowdfunding campaign. Two members of the sibling management team are female.

Investment Risks
Investors should consult with their financial and tax advisors before considering an investment. Early-stage companies are risky investments, not suitable for all investors—even accredited ones.

About Launch Angels
Launch Angels (http://www.launch-angels.com) is an investment platform focused on equity crowdfunding. Launch Angels pools money from accredited individuals to create Venture Funds invested across 8-12 equity crowdfunding deals. Participants enjoy the benefits of venture investing, minus the hassles of research, paperwork and tracking.

SOURCE Launch Angels