For two angel investors, company’s leader is only criterion

by | Aug 13, 2013

I sat next to Hermann and Michele Buerger at a University of Minnesota event today featuring the founder of a new company called PreciouStatus, a mobile health care technology, and got a bit of insight into the mindset of two angel investors.

For these two, who came to the United States from Germany in the 1970s and were visiting Minneapolis for this luncheon sponsored by the Carlson School of Management, the decision to invest isn’t mostly about the person leading the company. It’s ONLY about that—and that seems a good thought to reinforce for entrepreneurs.

precioustatus

They are backing Julie Gilbert Newrai, the founder of PreciouStatus who also has a consulting firm called WOLF Means Business, and used to be famous for starting women-centric initiatives at Best Buy. In fact, former Best Buy CEO Brad Anderson was at the same table in support of his former protégée.

Julie Gilbert Newrai

“It’s a tough old world out there,” Gilbert said in her talk. “And my mission is to inspire each of you to go on your journey, and bring along as many people as you can to change the world for the better. I think we can do it, and does anyone else think we can do it, too?”

That’s vintage Gilbert, who’s an inspiring and emotional speaker, and Hermann Buerger says it’s just that kind of conviction that turns people like him into believers—even though at his age, he said, he should be getting more into bonds and other safe bets rather than start-up companies.

The financials have to be in place, of course, and the business model has to be right, naturally. But the key to unlocking investors’ wallets is held by the person leading the charge, something that our Upsize Growth Challenge winners know well.