Entrepreneur FAQ's

Entrepreneur FAQ

What is the Singapore Investment Network?
The Singapore Investment Network is an online platform designed to connect entrepreneurs (looking for growth or start-up capital) and angel investors (looking for investment opportunities). The Singapore Investment Network is unique in that it offers a local, national and global platform with partner networks across Asia and Australasia, North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. The Singapore Investment Network is continually growing, developing and updating its extensive database of angel investors.

What is an Angel Investor?
Originally, the term "angel" was coined to refer to the people who financed Broadway plays when all else failed. Today this term has become common among the investment community to refer to a high net-worth individual that invests their own personal funds in various businesses.

Who is a typical Angel Investor?
Angel investors are often retired entrepreneurs or executives, who may be interested in angel investing for reasons that go beyond pure monetary return. These include wanting to keep abreast of current developments in a particular business arena, mentoring another generation of entrepreneurs, and making use of their experience and networks on a less-than-full-time basis. Thus, in addition to funds, angel investors can often provide valuable management advice and important contacts.

What is the difference between an Angel Investor and a Venture Capital firm?
Angels make their own decisions as opposed to a board or group of people making a decision for investors that have pooled money together. Angels tend to be more involved in the businesses that they invest in and provide assistance in ways that venture capital firms do not. Angels typically do not own as large a stake in the company as a venture capital firm would. Another benefit of being an angel investor is the reception of certain tax incentives from controlled small businesses.

How do I know if my proposal has been received?
You will know that your proposal has been received if it appears in the list of "Active Proposals" in your member's area. If there are no proposals in your member's area then you will need to resubmit your proposal. Always write your proposal in another programme and cut and paste to avoid the page timing out.

How much does it cost?
More information can be found on Our Rates Page.

Why isn’t it free of charge?
Many people have asked us why we charge entrepreneurs for the service. Firstly we are running a commercial enterprise and don’t get any public funding, so we need to cover our admin and promotion costs, pay staff to check your submission and pay for the upkeep of the website. Secondly we are providing a valuable service to the entrepreneurs who need the much needed to support to get their ideas in front of investors. To set up a serious business with outside funding you do need to be prepared to spend some money. The fee is very low compared to other companies in the industry who will often charge around 5% of the amount you wish to borrow.

Do I have to pay for every contact?
No, the Standard, Express, Express Plus and Global Express Plus packages all give you to access to the contact details of ALL the investors who wish to contact you. Your proposal remains active for 90 days and all investor contacts are included in this period. You do not need to pay for each contact.

Why don’t you take a success fee instead?
If you think of Angel Investment Network as the funding equivalent of an online dating agency it makes more sense. You wouldn’t expect a dating agency to only get paid if and when you marry the partner you found on their site. They wouldn’t be able to find you or know you were getting married without employing a private detective! Likewise we can’t hope to individually track everyone who enters their idea over the internet. Often all we have is an email address for you. Plus we have no control over how good your idea is and therefore your likelihood of finding an Angel. There may be a few Angel groups who don’t charge upfront, but they heavily screen incoming ideas and reject about 90% of them, which means most people are left without a chance of connecting with Angels.

Why isn’t my proposal appearing in the list of recent proposals?
If you have just submitted your proposal, it is probably because we haven’t approved it yet. We have to read and activate each proposal before it is released to the investors. Alternatively it may be because you have just edited your proposal, which means that it is removed from the system until we reapprove it.

Does my company have to be established?
No, we accept projects at every stage of development – from ideas to start-up companies to mature businesses. Even if your project is still an idea, it could still be of interest to the investors. They might even have the relevant knowhow and expertise to get the ball rolling.

Is there a maximum/minimum investment?
No, our investors are interested in projects ranging from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Are the contact requests automated?
No, all the contact requests you receive are from investors who have read your investment proposal and decided they want to discuss your project in more detail.

Who are the investors on this website?
The investors on our website have been compiled from databases of angel investors, company directors and private investment groups. They also include individual investors who have registered in the hope of finding investment opportunities. Our database is continually expanding with new investors looking to invest in companies like yours.

How much information should I include in my proposal?
If you are worried about confidentiality we would advise you not to give away too many details in your proposal. Try and write enough to get the investors interested in your project without revealing the key ideas. In the "Useful Documents" page of our "Get Investor Ready" section, you will find a free NDA document, which you can get all the potential investors to sign before presenting your idea in full.

How is my privacy protected?
The site was developed using proprietary database management tools and a secure server is used to assure that no one sees your business or personal information. Your information is not offered to any third party for any purposes and is guaranteed to be kept confidential and private.

Why should I use this service?
As an entrepreneur, you are already aware of the growing resistance of banks to finance small business. It is virtually impossible to obtain financing without having secured assets, providing personal guarantees, etc, etc. Angel investors are the logical source to provide financing to small business. With the funds invested growing all the time, the main obstacle is locating and presenting your idea to this large group of investors. The Singapore Investment Network allows an entrepreneur to:
a) Find a source of capital.
b) Find an experienced investor that can provide guidance and support.
c) Make it all come together in a fast and efficient way.

How will I attract the attention of potential investors?
When dealing with an angel investor, at the very least your proposal should address the following:
- How much money do you need?
- Why do you need it?
- When do you need it?
- What are you willing to give up to get it?
- When and how can you pay it back?
Investors need your answers to these questions before they will even consider helping you. They are not looking for "pipe dreams" or unprofessional sounding proposals. They expect a reasonably sound business plan as well as an understanding from entrepreneurs that an investor is not going to just blindly hand over significant sums of money with no strings attached whatsoever. They may be angels but there are limits to what they are prepared to do.

How can I pay if I don't have a credit card?
If you are unable to or feel uncomfortable using a credit card, you can pay by PayPal, MoneyBookers or bank transfer.

Why am I being asked to pay again?
You have to pay the Standard, Express, Express Plus or Global Express Plus Fee for every proposal you submit.

Due Diligence
Please be aware that after the initial match has been made it is the entrepreneur's responsibility to carry out diligence on the investor. Please inform us of any suspicious behaviour.

I have other questions. Who do I contact?
Contact us by email: admin@investmentnetwork.sg

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$50,000 to $500,000

February 1, 2012

Personal Information: 34, Male, Singapore. Professional experience: Investment banker specialising in M&A and capital raising. Education: Masters in FInance and Bachelors of Accountancy. Investment experience: F&B, Tech. Other value add: Negotiation skilss, valuation skills. Anticipated involvement: Varies. Status: Individual / clubbed investors.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$1,000 to $100,000

January 31, 2012

Active investment group looking for business opportunities

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$100,000 to $500,000

January 30, 2012

Accomplished, entrepreneurial and results-driven executive with 15 years of success in creating and sustaining business within competitive markets. An ethical, loyal, energetic, “make-it-happen” professional with a history of driving significant gains in profitability. Leads with invincible confidence, communicating vision, instilling a team culture and igniting a spirit of cooperation. Respected for professional integrity and focused on building strong influential relationships, demonstrated by established credibility and leverage with major mining clients. A high achiever delivering sustained accomplishments, expert in providing innovative operating solutions to support business growth and the ability to relay highly technical information in demanding arenas. Skills: • 10 years experience as managing director. • Excellent operational and executive leadership. • Excellent communication and writing skills. • Proficient with computer knowledge such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point and Internet. • Having formal and informal turnaround skills. • Ability to contract development and negotiations. • Able to work independently and under pressure. • Responsible for other duties as assigned and related to the post of managing director. Executive role addressing operational, strategic and financial issues, including: • Founder of company in 2000 • Project Management of $20m per annum • Finance management of $20m per annum • Growth of company from 1 – 65 staff • Responsible for strategic growth of R&D arm of company • Responsible for long term strategic position in mining industry • Responsible for growth of independent offices in Perth Jakarta and Mackay • Managed and delivered projects in Tanzania, Canada, Indonesia and throughout Australia Specialties

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$50,000 to $200,000

January 30, 2012

I am 36 years old, married with 2 kids in Singapore. I am working as an operational manager in a manufacturing company and looking for good investment or new set up to invest in. I studied in tertiary education in a Polytechnic in Singapore. I have invested in 2 more company in travel- related business and a retail model business with $200,000. I could assist in overseas expansion with my contacts but I will only be an advisory or silent business partner or individual investor. The proposal has to show potential as I look to release the investment for greater height in less than 2 years. If you believe your idea could work, send me the details and we shall contact each other to see if the idea align. I will not participate in the business as I have my job to run.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$100,000 to $300,000

January 27, 2012

29 years, CFO with a multi-national company for the last 9 years. Chartered accountant and B-com (hons) from university. I am an individual investor. I have capital for which I am looking for a good investment opportunity.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$5,000 to $200,000

January 26, 2012

MBA qualified, director & general management of international businesses with a high turnover. I have previous investment experience in various sectors. Individual investor with links to other entrepreneurs seeking appropriate investments.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$1,000 to $30,000

January 24, 2012

I am a 27 year, invested in small enterprises dealing in Food and Beverages, retail and software. I am currently an advisor overseeing my investments. I have a diploma in Electrical Engineering but chose to pursue my passion in business. My involvement in my investment is to hold the role of an advisor. Being an investor for the past 5 years has indeed helped increase my portfolio. I would like to be a part of the small and medium businesses. I look forward in investing with you in making your business a success.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$100 to $20,000

January 23, 2012

33 years old, I have the highest telecommunication engineering degree plus MBA from a reputed university. Professional experience in consulting with a wide range of industries and strategy, sales, marketing and general management experience in healthcare with clear success and high potential rating over the years. I really would like an active role in the projects with a role similar to advisory

United States > Houston

$50,000 to $100,000,000

January 16, 2012

Currently the president of technology investment company. I am a graduate and have managed executive roles in the previous companies. We are investing on behalf of the company.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$1,000 to $100,000

January 14, 2012

My background is in IT consulting and an MBA. Spouse has a legal background with a law degree, and is now in banking. Previously invested in real estate as well as hospitality sector. Would anticipate advisory would be of mutual interest in an industry in which we have experience, otherwise, silent.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$10,000 to $300,000

January 13, 2012

37yrs, working with the largest technology multinational in IT for 5 years. Previously worked in the IT & eCommerce industry for 11 years. I am a post graduate in International Business & IT. Previously invested in Retail and Real Estate sectors. I am flexible about my involvement in the business as per the need of the project. I am an individual investor.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$50,000 to $10,000,000

January 8, 2012

Experienced Asia-based private equity investor and lender. Previously worked in leading international institutions as a lawyer, consultant and then proprietary investor. Now independent and concentrating mainly on club deals, bringing strategic partners in alongside my own capital, to provide further growth value to portfolio companies. Current portfolio includes real estate, software, green energy, commodities and medical devices, with geographical exposure. I typically look to actively partner with investee companies, rather than being a silent investor, providing advice and financial expertise alongside assistance in subsequent fundraising rounds, negotiation of partnerships and eventual exits.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$50,000 to $250,000

January 6, 2012

Senior manager in global MNC, developed new market opportunities in growth markets in Asia. Managed P&L, sales, business development, marketing, services strategies. I am now looking at supporting new individuals to launch new startups.. Besides investments, I can also provide management advice to startup organizations.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$0 to $50,000

January 5, 2012

I am 39 years old, married. My professional experience is in IT (10 years) and Finance (5 years). I am a Bachelor in Computer Engineering and Master in Professional Accounting. My previous investment experience is in equities and forex.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$1,000 to $100,000

January 5, 2012

31, Married, I am a Financial Trader by profession. I have done MIT Masters in Mechanical Engineering.. I don't have any previous investment experience besides the stock market. I would like to take part in the strategic decision making. I am an individual investor.

Sri Lanka > Rajagiriya

$1,000 to $25,000

January 3, 2012

Senior Management Professional in my mid-forties with wide experience on international business development, strategic management, leadership development and lean manufacturing processes. Results driven with passion for excellence seeking opportunity to involve with a small/medium enterprise/start-up to support growth of the business and expansion into other countries.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$3,000,000 to $5,000,000

January 3, 2012

39yrs, Looking for opportunities textiles, steel, cement, construction & automotives. Currently Independent Investment Advisor to a portfolio of Clients. Clients have large business interests. I am an MBA with more than 10 years experience. Advisory to a portfolio of Investor.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$0 to $50,000

January 3, 2012

An Auditor with one of the Big four accounting firms, been involved in leading numerous statutory and special audits for MNCs, particularly from the Logistics, Oil and Gas, and manufacturing Industries. Well versed with the international Financial Reporting Standards, frequently engages senior management, advising the client on complex accounting issues as well as evaluating any pertinent risk identified that might cause misstatements in their financial statements.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$1 to $250,000

January 1, 2012

I am an entrepreneur in my late thirty's. My experience is mainly in the food and drinks industry working for multinationals and SME's across the world. I have a B.Com (hons) 1st class with real estate and other investments. I prefer to be a silent investor but would welcome the opportunity to contribute to add considerable value to any new venture. able value to any new venture.

Singapore > Inside Singapore

$1,000 to $10,000

December 28, 2011

With 11 years’ experience in various industries such as Info Communications systems (IT), Real Estate, Sales and Marketing. Graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science. Currently running a business in Application Development, focusing on E- commerce and Mobile Solution. Looking for lucrative business with silent or hands on involvement.