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

Hard-Won Lessons in Tech Transfer and Long Sales Cycles by Tricia Compas-Markman
OCT 17, 2024
Hard-Won Lessons in Tech Transfer and Long Sales Cycles by Tricia Compas-Markman
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a groundbreaking idea into a successful startup, especially in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with Tricia Compas-Markman, a civil engineer turned entrepreneur, to explore the uncharted waters of innovative problem-solving and business resilience. Through their engaging discussion, listeners gain an intimate look at the complexities and triumphs of launching a mission-driven venture. With a background in civil engineering from Cal Poly and a passion for providing clean drinking water in disaster zones, Tricia shares her journey from a simple master's thesis to founding DayOne Response—a company dedicated to creating family-sized water treatment devices. Her story is one of visionary thinking, relentless determination, and an unyielding commitment to making a positive impact on vulnerable communities worldwide. In this episode, Marcia and Tricia go deep into the entrepreneurial process, covering topics such as tech transfer, investor engagement, complex sales cycles, and the strategic shifts required for sustainability. Listeners will learn about the importance of intellectual property, the challenges of regulatory approvals, and the intricacies of selling to large organizations and relief agencies. Moreover, Tricia’s pivot to aiding other entrepreneurs through Venturewell showcases the enduring value of lessons learned, even when a startup doesn't survive. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone intrigued by the journey of turning innovative ideas into impactful realities.
play-circle
29 MIN
Transforming Workplace Culture with Inclusion with Gena Cox
OCT 10, 2024
Transforming Workplace Culture with Inclusion with Gena Cox
What if the key to a successful startup lies not just in its venture's brilliance but in its workplace's inclusivity? In this episode of "The Angel Next Door Podcast," Marcia Dawood invites Gena Cox to explore a crucial aspect that entrepreneurs often overlook amidst the hustle of financial planning and product development—organizational culture. Cox, an organizational psychologist with over 30 years of experience, asserts that the human experience within an organization is foundational to its innovation, customer satisfaction, and overall success. Gena Cox is a distinguished expert in workplace culture, employee engagement, and survey design. Hailing from a diverse background—born in England, raised in the Caribbean, and later relocating to the U.S.—Cox offers a unique perspective on diversity and inclusion. Her recent book, "Leading Inclusion," targets senior business leaders and board directors, helping them foster environments where every employee feels seen, heard, and valued. Cox's insights are informed by both her professional expertise and personal experiences, especially in the wake of social events like the death of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. In this enlightening episode, Cox talks about the significance of nurturing an inclusive culture right from a startup's inception. She underscores the role of inclusion over sheer diversity, pointing out that everyday experiences and interactions within the workplace shape an organization's culture. Listeners will gain practical guidance on implementing structured hiring processes that align with company values and mitigate biases, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation. It's a must-listen for any entrepreneur, business leader, or angel investor supporting them, aiming to build a successful, meaningful, human-centric organization.
play-circle
35 MIN
Success Story: Transitioning from Physical Shops to Online Growth
OCT 3, 2024
Success Story: Transitioning from Physical Shops to Online Growth
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a personal experience into a thriving business? In this inspiring episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we dive into the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Jasmine Jones, a remarkable founder and CEO who channeled her life's experiences and challenges into creating a groundbreaking company. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in the power of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Jasmine Jones, the dynamic founder, and CEO of Myya, joins host Marcia Dawood to share her unique journey. From witnessing her father’s real estate investments to selling diamonds at Tiffany’s, Jasmine’s path to entrepreneurship is anything but conventional. A former beauty pageant winner and Miss DC USA, Jasmine leveraged her varied background and life experiences to create Myya, a company dedicated to providing customizable and insurance-billable breast prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. Jasmine's inspiring story was also featured in the documentary Show Her the Money, showcasing her entrepreneurial journey to a global audience. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. Jasmine discusses the evolution of Myya, from its humble beginnings as a boutique store to its current status as a scalable telehealth platform serving patients nationwide. Hear firsthand how Jasmine navigated the complexities of fundraising, securing over $2.25 million in venture capital, and why the COVID-19 pandemic was a surprising catalyst for her business growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an angel investor, Jasmine's compelling story offers invaluable lessons on persistence, adaptability, and the importance of aligning business with purpose. This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through entrepreneurship.
play-circle
21 MIN
Boosting Startup Success: Equity Management Made Easy
SEP 26, 2024
Boosting Startup Success: Equity Management Made Easy
Have you ever wondered what lies behind the meticulous management of your startup’s equity and the unseen challenges of maintaining a clean cap table? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood dives deep into the essential but often overlooked facets of cap table management with industry expert and guest, Colin McCrea. Together, they unravel the complexities that every founder should be aware of and how to navigate the turbulent waters of startup finance. Colin McCrea, a seasoned professional in accounting and finance, shares his journey from working at a CPA firm to becoming a pivotal player at Eqvista, a company specializing in cap table management solutions. With a portfolio boasting roughly 16,000 companies, ranging from startups to pre-IPO giants, Colin brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience. As the leader of Eqvista’s valuation team, he's uniquely positioned to offer insights into the intricacies of 409A valuations and the vital importance of maintaining a well-organized cap table. Throughout this episode, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of cap table management's role in a startup's success, the pitfalls of equity mismanagement, and the critical need for compliance. Colin and Marcia discuss the essential steps founders must take to protect their equity, maintain investor trust, and enable smooth funding rounds. They also explore the nuances of 409A valuations and essential compliance filings like the 83B election. This is a must-listen episode for any entrepreneur aspiring to build a solid financial foundation for their business, as well as the investors, featuring actionable advice and expert insights that can save both time and money.
play-circle
21 MIN