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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Robert L. Duncan – corporate strategy, and investor relations

Robert L. Duncan brings extensive experience in finance, corporate strategy, and investor relations to companies seeking growth and capital. He specializes in guiding businesses through the complexities of securing funding.

Duncan’s primary focus is on working with companies in the Food, Energy, Medical, and Housing sectors who are seeking growth capital. He plays a crucial role in assisting these borrowers in securing both loans and equity financing, leveraging his expertise to navigate financial markets. His responsibilities also include managing day-to-day operations and working with financial institutions on loan portfolios.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Duncan served as President and CEO of Pinnacle Investor Relations, LLC (2010-2015). In this capacity, he developed and executed impactful marketing and advertising campaigns for publicly held companies, presenting them directly to investors and investment managers. A testament to his strategic approach, he formulated campaigns that led to a 40% increase in firm revenues within a six-month period. He also has experience in client engagement and negotiation from his time as a Sales and Leasing Consultant at Mercedes Benz of Buckhead (March 2015-May 2018), where he consistently achieved recognition for his sales performance.

Robert Duncan’s academic background includes a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina (1985). He shares his practical knowledge and insights as a frequent Guest Speaker at esteemed institutions, including the Clemson University Master of Accountancy Program (since 2023) and the University of Georgia Law School (since 2024), engaging with the next generation of financial and legal professionals.

Fadi Malouf – Strategic Buyer & Business Growth Architect

With over two decades of experience in scaling businesses and leading high-impact M&A strategies, Fadi brings deep expertise in acquiring and growing ventures across tech, real estate, and service industries. As President of FM Enterprises, he partners with private equity firms and investors to drive enterprise value, scale operations, and position companies for high-value exits. Fadi has access to over $2B in funding, a network of 800+ investors, and a proven track record of building companies from $200K to $5M+ in under a year. His structured, ROI-driven approach has led to successful outcomes across 62 U.S. healthcare locations, multiple private ventures, and large-scale advisory roles. At the heart of his work lies one mission: to engineer legacy-driven businesses that win.

Irina R. – Operations Manager | Digital Business Strategist

Irina R. is a seasoned Operations Manager with over 4 years of experience in project, team, and operations management for digital businesses, complemented by nearly a decade of leadership and management expertise as a B2B Account Manager at a French multinational universal bank and financial services company – Société Générale.

 

At Angel Investors Network, Irina plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations, optimizing workflows, and ensuring seamless execution of both internal and external projects.

Luisa B. - Web Designer and Marketing Design Strategist

Luisa B. is an accomplished Web Designer and Marketing Design Strategist with over 5 years of experience in web design, creative design, and digital marketing. As the creative lead, she collaborates on planning, developing, and launching high-converting campaigns that drive business success.

At Angel Investors Network, Luisa guides the design team, developing high-impact design and marketing solutions that ensure brand consistency and contribute to the successful launch of projects fueling company growth. Her creative expertise and collaborative approach strengthen Angel Investors’ digital presence.

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.