Entrepreneurs

GAIN provides access to capital and to investors/mentors/advisors from the members of the larger Georgetown Community. By participating in GAIN, you play a part in boosting Georgetown's entrepreneurial impact.

The GAIN leadership team reviews each company and selects the top three to five companies to pitch at each pitch event. These pitches are conducted in-person and online via Zoom three or four times a year. While GAIN filters deal flow to facilitate pitch days, members have access to all companies who apply and can pursue investment opportunities independently.

We offer a secure online angel investing software platform making it easy for you to submit your company information. In addition, we commit to provide high-level feedback to companies that are not selected to pitch. 

FAQs

What are the requirements to be considered for a GAIN investment?

To be eligible to apply, the company MUST have a founder, senior executive, board member, advisor, investor who is:

• A Georgetown alumnus

• A current student, faculty or staff member of Georgetown University 

• A parent of a current Georgetown alumnus or one of the foregoing who has a parent who is a Georgetown alumnus

How do companies get selected to pitch to GAIN members?

GAIN is looking for the following in start-ups:

• Impressive teams in attractive markets: Since we invest early, the team is paramount.

• Traction: You should have at least 6 months of customer data. Most of the companies we fund have between $50K-500K in revenue.

• Stage: We are seed investors. Usually we invest in companies valued between $3-8M raising between $500K-$2M.

• Our pitches in-person and virtual via Zoom. We feel that offering virtual participation enables Georgetown start-ups and angel investors from around the world to join.

Deals that already have a lead investor or initial capital commitments in place are preferred.

The Selection Committee reviews the companies against the following criteria:

• Has the stated Georgetown University connection.

• Is capital-efficient, early stage growth company.

• Is operating in a large and/or growing market with a barrier to entry (e.g., an intellectual property position).

• Has a demonstrated proof of concept and can articulate the revenue strategy clearly. Note: Priority goes to applicants with revenue traction (users, clients, customers).

• Has some unique / competitive advantage over other companies (or would-be companies) in the space.

• Can articulate an exit strategy.

• Has a strong founder and senior management team (with compelling presentation and strong delivery skills).

What role will Georgetown Angel Investor Network members play in the companies they invest in?

In addition to being shareholders in portfolio companies, GAIN members can provide support and guidance for portfolio companies based on experience and expertise.

What is the process for companies seeking investment?

Companies initiate the process by completing an online application, via Gust. The ERC will review all application materials and determine if your business could be of interest to our members. If selected, you will be invited to present in person and/or online via Zoom to the Entrepreneur Review Committee. After this final evaluation, three to five companies will receive an invitation to present to the full network of GAIN members.

Following the presentations, investors who have expressed interest in a presenting company will be invited to collaborate with other members on due diligence. Our members decide in which companies they choose to invest. They also determine the amount of their contribution. Afterwards, the group of interested members conduct their own due diligence and negotiations with the company.

Does the Georgetown Angel Investor Network sign non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements with companies it is considering for investment?

GAIN does not sign non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements. Company information is shared with members through a private, secure online platform. Members are expected to keep all information confidential and to use information only for purposes of making investment decisions. Members are bound by a code of conduct and confidentiality agreement with GAIN; if any investor member distributes information outside the network without consent, he or she will be asked to leave the organization.

At later stages in the diligence process, individual members may be asked to sign an NDA or CA directly with the company. These agreements will not include GAIN as a party.

Can entrepreneurs and companies see a list of members in the Georgetown Angel Investor Network?

No. The Georgetown Angel Investor Network respects the privacy of members and will not publish a membership list. As companies enter the formal diligence process with GAIN, interested members will be introduced to the company creating a closed investor diligence process. Members can then share information with companies.