Setting Out to Reinforce Angel Investment Infrastructure in Ontario
TORONTO, Dec. 15 /CNW/ - After four years of increasingly successful operations, during which more than $33 million in early-stage capital has been deployed to Ontarian companies via Angel groups, the National Angel Organization - Ontario (NAO-Ontario) has promoted Paul Connor to the position of Executive Director, succeeding retiring President W. Daniel Mothersill. This appointment initiates a process of renewal and preparation to realize the full potential of Angel investing in the Province of Ontario, while maintaining the experience and expertise developed to date.
With a background in management and communications, Paul has had positions of escalating responsibility at NAO-Ontario over the past three years, becoming increasingly aware of the challenges and opportunities of organized Angel investing. He is focused on delivering both support and best practices to Ontario's Angel investor groups with the support of Bryan Watson, advisor to the Angel Network Program and Executive Director of the National Angel Capital Organization, who helped create the Angel Network Program in 2007.
"I'd like to thank Dan for his years of service to the Angel investment community in Ontario as Director of the Angel Network Program. His creativity and drive validated Ontarian Angels' constructive role in innovation and growth. As a result, NAO-Ontario can be an important collaborator in the Ministry of Research and Innovation's new Ontario Network of Excellence, and FedDev Ontario's Investing in Business Innovation program," said Patricia Lorenz, chair of NAO-Ontario.
NAO-Ontario Executive Director Paul Connor stated, "The Angel Network Program has shown that every dollar put towards Angel investors organizing their peers yields an order of magnitude more in early-stage capital investments. Even more value is added by the independent and experienced judgment of Angel investors holding a stake in the future of innovative companies. I am dedicated to realizing the full potential of both to contribute to Ontario's future prosperity."
About the National Angel Organization - Ontario
The National Angel Organization - Ontario (NAO-Ontario - www.angelinvestor.ca/anp) is the industry association representing Angel capital in all of its forms throughout Ontario. NAO-Ontario operates the Angel Network Program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, which funded it over four years to create and grow organized Angel investor groups for various Ontario regions and industrial sectors. Our mission is to build the membership, early-stage investments and best practices of these groups and thus create a greater pool of capital for innovative start-up companies in the province.
For further information:
Media contact:
Paul Connor, Executive Director
416-581-0009 • [email protected]
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