Women and Angel Investing: A Path to Financial Empowerment and Success

Angel investing is a form of early-stage investing in which individuals provide capital to start-ups and entrepreneurs, in exchange for equity in the company. 

While angel investing has been male-dominated in the past, there is now an uptick in women involved in angel investing. 

Why? Like their male counterparts, angel investing can be a path to financial empowerment and success for women.

The Angel Investing Landscape for Women

The Angel Capital Association reports 22% of angel investors are women. Women often have distinct obstacles in obtaining money and industrial networks. Now, female-led projects, and support networks, are working to change this. They’re bringing more women into angel investing and strengthening the financial landscape. 

The Advantages of Angel Investing for Women

The profits and independence from traditional employment that results from angel investments make it an appealing alternative for women. As angel investors, women can diversify their financial portfolios and back female entrepreneurs.

The Barriers to Angel Investing

Funding and networking can be harder for women, especially those who are looking for investors. They can overcome these angel investing hurdles by building investment confidence and expertise

How? By continuing to think long term, diversifying their portfolios, and consider investing in the market in increments.

Women in Angel Investing

Several women have made a difference in angel investing. The Gotham Gal, Joanne Wilson, has invested in over 90 enterprises. Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton is a pioneer in angel financing, assisting underrepresented founders and closing the gender and diversity gap.

For women diversifying their financial portfolios, angel investing offers excellent returns while also allowing investors to support female-led businesses. The best part? With more women in angel investment, not only will the sector become more diverse and inclusive – it’ll become stronger than ever. 

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John Reighard, Partner & EVP

John Reighard is a Partner at Angel Investors Network, where he leverages his expertise in business development, networking, and investor relations to help entrepreneurs secure funding and scale their businesses. With a passion for connecting people and ideas, John plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships and guiding business owners toward sustainable success. In addition to his work with Angel Investors Network, he also owns and operates two other small businesses.

 

A Connector and Networking Extraordinaire, Business Coach/Consultant, and Inspirational Speaker, John is deeply committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve meaningful results. His mission is to empower entrepreneurs and leaders to create lasting impact through strategic growth, financial acumen, and powerful relationship-building.

 

John has trained with, been mentored by, and provided consulting services to some of the world’s top thought leaders in personal development and business transformation, including Jack Canfield (America’s #1 Success Coach and Founder of Chicken Soup for the Soul), Stephen Covey, T. Harv Eker, Bob Proctor, Blair Singer, Robert Kiyosaki, Neil Rackham, Marcia Wieder, and Roger (Bud) Seith. These experiences have shaped his ability to guide clients through personal and professional growth, helping them unlock their full potential.

 

Before joining Angel Investors Network, John took a sabbatical in 2002, living with his family in Norway, Portugal, and France—an enriching experience that followed 15 award-winning years in Silicon Valley. During his time in the tech industry, he worked for leading companies such as Lucent Technologies, Exodus Communications, Octel Communications, and Brady Corporation.

Meet Jeff Barnes

Jeff Barnes is a former US Navy Nuclear power plant operator on a Submarine, Navy diver, risk management director, technology enthusiast, business growth expert, advisor and management consultant. Mr. Barnes sits on the boards of startup companies, runs a venture fund, supports non-profits supporting military vets, and spends most of his time helping CEOs and founders of growing companies automate, systemize, and scale to 8 and 9-figure valuations.

 

With over 20 years of technology, systems, operations, and marketing experience, Mr. Barnes has advised over 1,000 companies, invested tens of millions in advertising campaigns, and helped companies generate over $1 billion in investment capital.

 

As the chairman of Angel Investors Network and founder of Digital Evolution Marketing Group, Mr. Barnes has worked with founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs around the world to accelerate the growth of their businesses and achieve substantial exits. He’s a father, husband, veteran, business owner, advisor, and mentor, and his true passion in life his helping others achieve success, freedom, and autonomy in theirs.