The Angel Next Door
The Angel Next Door

The Angel Next Door

Marcia Dawood

Overview
Episodes

Details

The Angel Next Door podcast is a show about how people got started investing in startup companies. Hosted by Marcia Dawood, member of the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and Chair Emeritus of the board of the Angel Capital Association, the professional organization of angel investors across the US and globally. If you want to see change in the world you have to create it, invest in it or be it! Tune in to hear stories of what angel investing is, who does it and why!

Recent Episodes

Navigating Funding Challenges: Cindy Gallop's Insights as a Female Founder in Sex Tech
FEB 20, 2025
Navigating Funding Challenges: Cindy Gallop's Insights as a Female Founder in Sex Tech
What does it take to turn a groundbreaking idea into a reality, especially when it challenges societal norms and confronts widely held taboos? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood explores this question with her guest, Cindy Gallop, a trailblazer reshaping conversations around sex, pornography, and sexual wellness. Cindy's journey into entrepreneurship is anything but conventional, providing a fascinating look at how one can use business to drive social change. Cindy Gallop is not only a veteran of the advertising world but also a pioneering advocate for open and honest discussions about sex. Her unique background, which combines decades in brand building and personal experiences, led her to found MakeLoveNotPorn, a platform aimed at socializing and normalizing real-world sex. Cindy’s venture started as a response to the adverse effects of pornography being the default form of sex education and has since evolved into a crusade for better sexual understanding and education. Listeners are in for an enlightening discussion that dives deep into Cindy's mission to transform societal perceptions through her two interconnected ventures: MakeLoveNotPorn.com and the upcoming Make Love Not Porn Academy. The episode addresses critical issues such as the impact of porn on youth, the cultural stigma around sex, and the struggles of funding a venture in the sex tech industry. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship that's grounded in social impact, the challenges of being an underrepresented founder, and the importance of using innovative platforms to drive change in global issues.
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44 MIN
Investing with Philanthropic Dollars Explained in 7 Minutes
FEB 13, 2025
Investing with Philanthropic Dollars Explained in 7 Minutes
What if your charitable donations didn’t just support causes—but actually helped build impactful businesses? In this episode of The Angel Next Door, host Marcia Dawood gives a quick 7-minute overview of the growing interest in investing with philanthropic capital and answers some of the most common questions about how it works. Using insights from past conversations with experts like Sally Boulter of Impact Assets and Patrice and Leah Brickman of Inspire Access, Marcia breaks down how Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and nonprofit organizations are revolutionizing the way we think about philanthropy and investment. You'll learn about: - How DAFs work – A simple, tax-advantaged way to invest in for-profit impact companies while keeping funds designated for charitable giving. - Inspire Access’ unique model – A 501(c)(3) that allows donors to contribute directly, ensuring capital reaches underrepresented founders working on innovative solutions. - Non-accredited investors can participate too – You don’t need to have a certain amount of wealth or income to make a donation; now more people than ever can back mission-driven startups. Instead of just ‘making a donation’, discover how to create a lasting impact by strategically investing in businesses that align with your values—all while staying within a philanthropic framework. Tune in now to rethink how your giving can fuel innovation and drive meaningful change! Marcia highlights Sally Boulter's discussion on donor advised funds (DAFs) as a means for accessible impact investing. She also revisits her conversation with Wendy Ryan, who shares her Learn Lead Lift framework, promoting leadership through clarity and collaboration and advocating for investment in diverse founders. Lastly, Marcia reflects on her dialogue with Cammie and Sandi from the Money Tales podcast, who emphasize reshaping our money beliefs. In case you missed any of this great content, you can get a recap here and also go back and listen to the full episodes: https://pod.link/1586445642
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8 MIN
Shifting Financial Mindsets: Creating Wealth with Positive Energy
JAN 30, 2025
Shifting Financial Mindsets: Creating Wealth with Positive Energy
Have you ever wondered how your mindset could transform your entrepreneurial journey? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood dives deep into this compelling question with Julie Foucht, a coach who has dedicated her career to empowering female entrepreneurs. By examining the critical link between mindset and financial success, Julie brings a fresh perspective to the way we view money and female entrepreneurship. Julie Foucht's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in a traditional family, Julie initially struggled with the societal norms that limited her potential. However, she broke free from these constraints and now thrives as a successful entrepreneur and coach. Julie's transformation from a financially dependent individual to a financially astute businesswoman is a testament to the power of self-belief and the right guidance. In this episode, Marcia and Julie tackle the deeply ingrained beliefs that often hold women back from achieving their full potential. Julie shares invaluable insights on shifting one's mindset towards money, the importance of dreaming big, and the practical steps to build a thriving business. They discuss how these changes not only benefit the individual but have the power to uplift entire communities. If you want to break through your financial barriers and elevate your entrepreneurial and investing game, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice.
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25 MIN
Building an AI-Driven Fashion Company: Anya Cheng's Secrets with Unique Data
JAN 23, 2025
Building an AI-Driven Fashion Company: Anya Cheng's Secrets with Unique Data
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to turn a groundbreaking idea into a successful business venture? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, our host Marcia Dawood explores this question with Anya Cheng, an innovative entrepreneur from the Bay Area. Anya’s journey from big tech to launching her own AI-powered company showcases the transformative potential of unique data in revolutionizing an industry. Anya Cheng is the founder of Taelor, an AI company on a mission to redefine how men dress by leveraging cutting-edge technology and unique consumer data. With a background that includes strategic roles at Meta, eBay, McDonald's, and Target, Anya’s experience in tech is both broad and deep. She played a pivotal role in developing Facebook and Instagram Shopping and expanding McDonald's food delivery services worldwide, equipping her with the skills to seamlessly integrate technology with consumer behavior. In this must-listen episode, Marcia and Anya discuss the intricacies of Taelor's business model, especially its novel approach to using AI and unique data to personalize men's fashion. Anya reveals how her company gathers authentic consumer feedback and detailed garment quality data, providing invaluable insights to brands and improving sustainability in fashion. Additionally, Anya shares her fundraising journey, shedding light on the challenges faced by women and people of color in the startup ecosystem. For anyone interested in AI, the power of unique data, or building a tech startup, this episode is packed with expert advice and inspiring stories, making it essential listening.
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29 MIN