Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Angel investor?
Angel Investors are accredited investors who invest in high-potential, early-stage ventures to provide those emerging companies with start-up capital through direct, private investments. Spark Angel Network focuses on achieving higher returns on investment for our investors and the businesses we work with.
To learn more about what an accredited investor is, click here.
How do I become a member of the Spark Angel Network?
If you are interested in joining Spark Angel Network as a member, please contact the Spark Angel Executive Director, Malcolm MacTaggart, via email: mmactaggart@sparkangels.ca. We are happy to address any questions. Spark Angel Network offers membership to individual accredited investors, business associates, as well as community partners – supporters, leaders and builders. For more information about membership, click here.
Does Spark Angel Investment Group work within a target geographical area?
Spark Angel Network focuses on companies that have a main office or base of operations located within Durham Region and Northumberland County. However, we are not limited to these cities – we have reviewed business plans from coast to coast, as well as a number from the United States.
Does Spark Angel Investment Group have a target sector?
Our typical industry sectors of interest are (but not limited to):
- Information Communication Technology (Digital Media, Software, Mobile & Telecom, Web-based Services, SaaS, Online Applications, Enterprise, etc.)
- Life Sciences (Healthcare and Services, Biotech and Pharmaceuticals, Medical Equipment & Technologies, etc.)
- Clean Technologies (Alternative Energy, Environmental Technology, Services and Equipment, Water Technologies, etc.)
- Services (Retail, etc.)
We generally focus on early stage companies that are post-revenue with products that are completed or at least post-first implementation development.
What is the investment process and how do I apply for funding?
You can begin the application process by submitting your company to Spark Angel Network via email: mmactaggart@sparkangels.ca. Once your application is received, Malcolm will contact you to schedule a brief phone interview, during which we review a series of pre-screening questions. If we feel there is a synergy, you will be invited to a discussion with the Spark Angel Network’s Executive Director, Malcolm MacTaggart. Pending approval of the committee, the company may have the opportunity to pitch to our full membership at our monthly investment meeting.
What is your conflict of interest policy?
Spark Angel Network is a non-profit organization, supported by the Angel Network Program. Trust and confidence of all stakeholders and the public at large can only be maintained through adequate and appropriate disclosure and management of potential conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment. Spark Angel Network is committed to the principle of fair and objective review of all applications and bids according to the established criteria. The purpose of our policy is to set out the standard of conduct expected of the Angel group’s personnel and members with respect to funding decisions. For more information on our policy, please contact us directly.
Do your members sign a non-disclosure?
Our members do not sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. However, as part of their initial membership code of conduct contract with Spark Angel Network, our members agree not to disclose information presented in confidence to them, or to make material use of confidential information for the benefit of non-members or any other entity other than the discloser, in a manner that is in conflict with any of the interest of other members, Spark Angel Network, or the discloser. In addition, all guests are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to attending our meetings.
How can we get in touch with you?
Please send us an email at: mmactaggart@sparkangels.ca and we will be happy to answer your questions.
