Entrepreneur FAQ's

Entrepreneur FAQ

What is the Scandinavian Investment Network?
The Scandinavian 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 Scandinavian Investment Network is unique in that it offers a local, national and global platform with partner networks across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. The Scandinavian 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. In Scandinavian , it is estimated that there are well over 200,000 potential angel investors that annually invest approximately 3 billion in Scandinavian businesses and currently own over 12 billion in existing equity. This represents roughly 7% of what the banks are investing. As well, statistics show that this figure trumps that of venture capital lending. The Scandinavian labour market and productivity centre estimates that angel investments have financed approximately twice as many firms as any other form of external equity investment, including institutional venture capital.

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 Scandinavian 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 euros to millions of euros.

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 Scandinavian 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@scandinavianinvestmentnetwork.com

Denmark > Hovedstaden

EUR5,000 to EUR50,000

September 8, 2010

International excutive with specialities in: Turnarounds, International brand building, multi-channel distribution, building high performance teams, creating stakeholder value & entrepreneurship.

Pakistan > Skane

EUR50,000 to EUR100,000

September 1, 2010

I am an experienced individual with over 35 years successful experience in professional management at senior levels. I’ve worked in various fields including paper, packaging and candy manufacture. My last job was to organise and manage a software house for an American company to manage their offshore facility.

Sweden > Skane

EUR50,000 to EUR1,000,000

August 21, 2010

A career starting out in technical and analytical Engineering has evolved through sales & marketing and business development positions on operational and executive level to corporate management, CEO and Board member experience, mainly in the data/telco business. Experience from starting up privately held enterprises in a highly competitive market, mainly competing against the incumbent operators, has developed skills in entrepreneurship, innovative business development, sales leadership and corporate management I could be interested in hands-on operation of sales, business development, management and board membership.

Sweden > Stockholms

EUR20,000 to EUR500,000

August 15, 2010

I invest in revenue generating European companies with technology in the areas renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, smart grid, e-mobility and advanced materials. I have a background as senior manager in large international ICT and power technology companies as well as executive roles in start up/growth companies. For the past 5 years I have dedicated my time, money and effort in Cleantech ventures and have provided both money, management experience and market access to the companies I work with. I am the founding partner of Sustianable Growth Associates GmbH with the two divisions Sustainable Growth Investors and Sustainable Growth Consultants. My colleguas are also experienced corporate and start up professionals with a thorough understanding of cleantech challenges form an industrial, market, business, technology and financing perspective. We are operationally active investors with a strong contact network in the target target industries.

Spain > La Orotava

EUR50,000 to EUR750,000

August 15, 2010

Long experience in automotive related bsinesses. Have been CEO for franchised automotive network for 12 years. I have a university degree on Business Administration and Marketing. I´m interested entering as individual investor, and on advisory base

Finland > Etela-Suomen Laani

EUR5,000 to EUR500,000

August 13, 2010

Entrepreneur, also currently working with investment banking and previous experience from real-estate finance. Know-how also in food business. M.Sc level education in Finance and Marketing Management. Can act in an advisory role, preferably as individual investor, but additional financing can be arranged through contacts.

Sweden > Uppsala

EUR10,000 to EUR250,000

August 4, 2010

I'm a high tech entrepreneur driven by turning inspiring concepts into reality. I see myself as both a business and product guy. My current passion is to use my last 6 years of experience as an entrepreneur to help early tech startups succeed - and learn even more from all these companies and people. Through my expertise in the mobile industry as both an industry analyst, founder and excecutive, I am on a personal level very inspired by the development and launch of great mobile services. I also work at the venture capital company Innovationsbron, which is Swedens largest seed funder of high tech businesses. We use our organisation of 20 investment mamangers and business developers to actively support the businesses we invest in. Having a portfolio of 120 companies, we assist our companies in many ways, from ceo meetups to joint sales trips to asia.

Finland > Etela-Suomen Laani

EUR2,000,000 to EUR50,000,000

August 3, 2010

CEO of a company listed on the OMHEX stock exchange with investable equity of 150 MEUR. We specialize in active minority and majority investments into unlisted service companies as well as industrial companies with aspirations to expand their business model from traditional production into new business models We are an active investor combining financial and strategic resources through hands-on Board work and strategic support. Our Industrial Advisors all have considerable experience in leading international companies. I have a background in Service Company leadership and strategy consulting. My previous employers include Satama Interactive, a listed internet consultancy, where I was CEO for five years, as well as Deloitte, where I lead the Strategy & Operations Consulting practice in Finland. BoD Memberships: GSP Group Oy; Coronaria Hoitoketju Oy; Idean Enterprises; Yellow Film & TV.

Denmark > Hovedstaden

EUR25,000 to EUR5,000,000

July 28, 2010

35 year old finance specialist based in Copenhagen M&A & ECM execution specialist; Broad sector experience; Corporate financial & strategic advisory; Non-executive board member; Venture investor in technology & greentech sectors. 5 years of Danish/Nordic corporate finance, London/Copenhagen; 1 year of Media Corporate Finance, London/Russia; 4 years in Technology Mergers & Acquisitions, London/San Francisco; MSc. in Finance & Accountancy from CBS. Studies at Harvard & Insead. Business Development: - Advisory Board Services; - Turnaround & Restructuring; - Business Plan Development & Strategy; - Exit Planning & Preparation; - Investment Opportunity Analysis / Due Diligence; - Feasibility Study (Venture Investments, Projects, other); - Operational Budgeting, Financial Discipline & Financial Reporting. Venture Investments in Promising Projects/Businesses: - Capital Investments; - Sweat Equity.

Denmark > Hovedstaden

EUR0 to EUR100,000

July 28, 2010

Seed investor with extensive experience with online media, entertainment and retail.

Sweden > Stockholms

EUR1,000 to EUR100,000

July 25, 2010

Investment group of 3 people. Experience from building a company from 20 m SEK into 1 billion SEK. We have both capital, energy, knowledge and a model that works if you want to expand your business. We have founded several companies in the B2B field Involvement: advisory active Our punchline is that we are in our mid 30's and very sales focused. Fun people to work with.

Norway > Oslo

EUR5,000 to EUR10,000

July 23, 2010

33 years old, 10 years strategy consulting and startup experience, CEMS Master. Live in Oslo. Individual investor.

Sweden > Stockholms

EUR10,000 to EUR100,000

July 22, 2010

I am a passionate entrepreneur and investor. For more than 20 years I have built, funded, transformed and advised knowledge and service intensive companies across Europe and Asia. I have a background as management consultant and author of several international bestselling IT and Management books. Beside my investments I have a number of appointments as Non Executive Director and is an active partner and member of the Swedish organization Founders Alliance supporting and developing Swedish entrepreneurship.

Sweden > Stockholms

EUR10,000 to EUR25,000

July 15, 2010

I am living in Stockholm and I am a lawyer by profession having been graduated LLM (IT and Law) from Stockholm University. I would like to invest money where I get an assured return. I would also like to play an active role in the business to help make it a success.

Denmark > Sjaelland

EUR500,000 to EUR10,000,000

July 3, 2010

I invest in Automotive industry and new Inventions!

Denmark > Hovedstaden

EUR190,000 to EUR195,000

June 27, 2010

I have been in the clothing industry since 1999 to 2008, where I have been everything from student to store manager. From 2008 to now I've focused a lot on improving my skills further in sales, and I have chosen my jobs specifically from developing and preparing my skills to start a self- employed. Through my years in the fashion industry, I learned how it works. Both as a buyer and seller and has been for countless in sales, and therefore know how to set up and executed for maximum benefit.

Sweden > Stockholms

EUR10,000 to EUR1,000,000

June 14, 2010

I work with public listings on smaller stock markets in Sweden. I can also help with private placements. If you have an interesting business proposal, do not hesitate to contact me.

Denmark > Midtjylland

EUR0 to EUR1,000

June 12, 2010

Individual investor, reside in Denmark, Aarhus. Experience and education in marketing. Currently under education of Business Administration and Economics. Investment experience with NYSE and European Funds. Looking for a owning a passive share in a start-up.

Sweden > Skane

EUR350,000 to EUR400,000

June 12, 2010

I am 55 years old and married. I am a sociologist and hold a phd in economics I am an individual investor

Malaysia > Kuala Lumpur

EUR30,000 to EUR100,000

June 11, 2010

I am a Chinese living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am a stock broker by profession. My daughter will be going to Turku Finland this August 2010 to do her Master’s degree in Law so I take this very opportunity to explore business and investment opportunities available there. Besides stock broking, I have experience in tourism and property development as I have worked for one of Malaysia's conglomerate tycoons. I have also invested in Sydney Australia too. I am a sincere and straightforward and an approachable person. I would like to seek sincere business partner to do business together. I hope to share whatever knowledge and cultures I have with people who are like-minded. I would like to participate in the business if possible, not so much to intercept into policies rather, to offer assistance in whichever way deem necessary.