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Group aims to match startups, investors

Would-be investors and entrepreneurs could have a new resource at hand, according to organizers of a new venture.

Would-be investors and entrepreneurs could have a new resource at hand, according to organizers of a new venture.

The Capital Investment Network, which intends to launch this month with an educational event, is the brainchild of Peter Elkins and Stephanie Andrew. They hope to establish a network of angel investors with their sights set on fuelling the Victoria startup community.

“There is a gap in the ecosystem in Victoria around bringing investors together to talk about startup investing,” said Elkins, noting it’s now generally done through personal networks.

“But if you’re new to Victoria, how do you connect with that network?”

Elkins said the Capital Investment Network will be a starting point for would-be angel investors and a resource for entrepreneurs looking for capital. “It’s a lot of work for entrepreneurs to keep their companies going.”

The network should be able to cut down on the time startups spend trying to lure new investment by bringing together accredited investors, he said.

“It frees [entrepreneurs] up to work and develop their products.”

Elkins said he envisions a system that will allow startups to pitch the network through short video presentations, which would be reviewed and then directed to suitable investor groups.

“It’s been done effectively in Victoria to date, but there is an opportunity to move this forward,” he said.

The network also intends to offer an educational component and will host discussions on investment topics.

The first educational event is set for May 14 at the Laurel Point Inn to discuss crowd funding. It features Alixe Cormick, of Venture Law Corp., and Daryl Hatton, founder of crowd sourcing fundraising company FundRazr.

The event runs from 5:30 p.m. and cost to attend is $35. — Times Colonist