One of the key pillars of GoBeyond is our global investor community. We have reached out to some of the members with a brief 10-question interview to understand the drivers behind their investments, their deal breakers and what they think are the next big trends. Here are the answers of Danny Touw, a GoBeyond member since 2016.
In brief
Danny has been an Angel Investor since 2006
Number of investments made: 30+ companies, 50+ rounds
Number of exits: 5
Sectors he invests in: Technology
Why did you get involved in angel investing?
- Diversify my investment portfolio
- Stay involved with technology developments
- Work with great people
What are the key things you look for in a startup?
- Great people
- Solution(s) to a clear problem
- Flawless execution
What are your deal-breakers (red flags)?
- People I can’t align myself with, or who I can’t see myself working with for the next 10 years
- Solutions to problems I can’t understand
Your advice to novice Angel Investors
- Take your time and have a very very long term horizon
- Don’t do this to make money in the short run
Sectors to watch as an investor in 2021?
AI/ML/ big data applications moving into every part of our society, Cannabis, 5G underlying technology and adaptations, anything going online, online gaming, blockchain adaptation, including digital payment systems to continue, semiconductor continued innovations, sensor developments especially for human/machine interaction including visual sensors, VR/AR, drones, autonomous mobility, and so on.
What do you predict 2021 will bring for early-stage investing?
A further explosion of initiatives thanks to the change in human and societal behavior, caused by the virus and enabled thanks to technological developments.
Related blog post
Angel/VC Investment Funding Summary 2020
Despite COVID-19 and the damage to the worldwide economy, VC and private equity deal value and activity increased throughout 2020. Capital in Europe and the US was readily used to support both startups and later-stage deals, particularly within healthcare and...
COVID-19’s Impact on the Angel Eco-System
During this challenging time with COVID-19 taking such a toll on financial markets, it is prudent to look at its impact on the angel eco-system. What follows is some brief commentary on the current situation and a review of the thinking which is shared in many...
9 successful exits have returned more than €19m in cash to the GoBeyond investors
GoBeyond has published The 2019 GoBeyond Investor Report: “Angel Investing Strategies and Portfolio Returns”. The Report is based on data from 2008 to 2018 covering investments made by 800+ investors who invest through the GoBeyond platform. Key Facts and Figures: The...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Here’s where we share insights and keep you posted about upcoming events.