#22: Business angels’ wings and money for startups - Rita Vilas-Boas
9 out of 10 startups die, and the first years of any startup existence are the most challenging to navigate. This is where business angels can offer invaluable support to founders along with so much-needed capital.
Rita Vilas-Boas is a marketing professional, entrepreneur and angel investor focusing on consumer-centric startups. She is particularly interested in impact and women-led startups. In the last 20 years, she held top-tier roles at major global brands like Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola as well as family businesses. Rita shares a moving story of fear, flight and growth that brought her to work and live in 7 countries across 3 continents.
Running away from the ‘top of the world’ position to write her own business story
Rita’s story could be a movie. When she reached the “top of the world” position at a multinational company, she suddenly felt… fear. And Rita fled to travel the world with a backpack.
After working and living in a few countries, Rita returned to her homeland Portugal and joined a wine company. Through her friends and family, she started investing in startups. In the episode, Rita explains what the term “angel investor” means, who normally becomes an angel investor and what the difference between “mentoring” and “sponsoring” is.
How to find the right angel
Rita shares three key tips on how to approach angel investors and avoid common pitfalls:
Look around. Business angels who want to support startups do not hide. On the contrary, they are present at events, on social media, and in various online communities.
Map angel profiles. As a founder, you might need to speak to several investors and ask questions until you find the right match. It’s a bit like dating. :-)
Surround yourself with the right people who won’t be intimidated to share contrarian views and unpopular opinions with you.
“It’s only a good opportunity for investors if it’s a good opportunity for founders”
What lessons from traveling the world help Rita on her investor journey?
Culture eats strategy for breakfast
Constant adaptation
Resilience and patience, big things need time to happen
Authenticity is the key to success
If you want to learn more about these lessons, listen to the podcast episode.
About Rita Vilas-Boas
Rita is Limited Partner founder at Shilling - community-driven venture capital fund. She is also the founding member of the first Classic Liberal Party In Portugal. Born and raised in Porto, Portugal, Rita holds a bachelor degree in biotechnology and a post-graduation degree in bioethics. Rita is based in Lisbon, Portugal.
Related episodes:
Angel investment
#3: Debunking the elitist image of startup investment – Svenja Lassen
Venture Capital
#17: Who should or should not raise venture capital? And how? - Gesa Miczaika