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As of the kickoff at the Summit, ACA board and campaign leaders plus dozens of other angel investors had combined to contribute more than $725,000 toward the campaign’s $2.3 million target. A Texas Hold ‘Em event at the Summit helped raise more than $10,000. The campaign’s early success was accelerated through a major gift commitment from Ann and Bill Payne to name ACA Angel University (see below).

“We have just scratched the surface in engaging angel groups across the country behind this effort. I’m confident the entire Association will see the value of ‘scaling up’ investors’ support of entrepreneurs through the Seed the Future Campaign,” Shipley said.

Lead Gift to AIF’s Seed the Future Campaign Benefits Angel University

The Angel Investor Foundation’s first major gift benefits Angel University, the most comprehensive angel investing education program available, which is being expanded to cover essential investment related training for the entrepreneurial community.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better way to kick off our Seed the Future Campaign,” campaign chair Tony Shipley said.

“Through the generous gift of Ann and Bill Payne, the ACA and its wholly owned subsidiary, AIF, will be able to launch and extend its renowned education programs, bringing awareness and knowledge about angel investing smart practices to the investing and entrepreneurial communities,” CEO Pat Gouhin said.

Ann and Bill Payne’s generosity changes the future of ACA’s education program, providing a capital infusion to market and expand delivery of education to angels, entrepreneurs, economic development agencies, incubators, startup hubs, and ecosystem builders around the world. In recognition of the Paynes’ support, ACA Angel University is now the Ann and Bill Payne ACA Angel University.

“Angel investing has given us so much. We’ve realized incredible returns on our investments, not just financially, but personally as well. We are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs as they kick start innovative new companies. We’re also passionate about helping other investors become successful angels,” Ann and Bill Payne explained. “We want our gift to open more opportunities for investors, so they can continue the important work of supporting our entrepreneurial communities.

Angel Group Campaigns – A Friendly Competition for a Great Cause

Thanks to nine early-adopting angel groups, close to $300,000 has been raised in support of the Seed the Future Campaign. Think how much more AIF can do to benefit angels and the entrepreneurs they support with your angel group’s support. Click here to see which angel groups are currently leading the way.

Creating a campaign for your angel group is simple. The campaign team can set up your angel group’s campaign page with your logo, your messaging, and your fundraising goal. It’s easy for your members to take part. Credit card gifts are accepted online. Checks and grants from donor-advised funds can be mailed to the AIF office. Gifts of securities are also an option.

As Christopher Mirabile, senior managing director of Launchpad Venture Group said, “Strong angel investing makes the world a better place. Supporting the AIF’s Seed the Future Campaign is the right thing to do.”

Contact Campaign Director Stephanie Cory to get started today.

Long-Time Angel Investing Pioneer John Huston Honored

Dozens of angel investors and other friends of John O. Huston have combined to contribute nearly $70,000 in his memory to the Seed the Future Campaign.

John founded OhioTechAngels in 2003 and helped form North Coast Angels and East Central Ohio TechAngels. He worked tirelessly to bring collaboration and syndication to the Ohio angel community. John served as chair of the ACA from 2008-10.

In 2012, John received ACA’s Hans Severiens Award, given annually to the person who has made the greatest impact on angel investing. John’s thought leadership included many articles, blog posts, conference presentations, and several books.

John’s Ohio investor brothers Parker MacDonell, Clay Rankin, and Tony Shipley led the fundraising efforts in his memory.

“John would be very pleased to see that so many people are supporting the mission of the ACA and honoring his legacy as a founder of the organization and two-time board chair. The activities funded by their gifts to the Seed the Future Campaign will all serve to make smart angels even smarter!” MacDonell, an advisory partner of Rev1 Ventures said.

Thank you so much to angel group members and leaders who have already given!

 Click here to see the full Leader Board.