The world’s largest and most active global network of early-stage accredited angel investors has announced an in-person meeting Wednesday, December 13, in Plano.
Keiretsu Forum said the meeting will be at the law offices of FBFK in Plano, marking “a significant milestone” in the network’s mission to connect entrepreneurs and investors to build strong companies.
We told you in August about how Keiretsu Network landed in North Texas, marking its first chapter in the Lone Star State.
Keiretsu Forum launched its inaugural Texas operation with the local leadership of veteran investment banker Kirk Otis. As president of the North Texas Keiretsu Forum chapter, Otis said he aims to fill a gap in early-stage capital for the region’s entrepreneurs while giving accredited investors access to a vetted deal flow.
The North Texas chapter said it offers access to resources, mentoring, and investment opportunities. It will be led by a team of “seasoned professionals”: Howard Lubert, regional president of Keiretsu Forum’s Mid-Atlantic and South-East Regions; Hall Martin, the newly appointed vice president of the Texas Region; and Dallas-based Otis, who’s been connecting members as the North Texas Chapter president.
In line with Keiretsu Forum’s ethos of fostering growth and innovation, the North Texas chapter will host hybrid screening, forum, and educational workshops at the meetings. The events will provide a platform for members to engage, share knowledge, and explore investment opportunities, the forum said.
‘Focus on building strong deals’
Lubert, a visionary in the angel investing space, introduced Keiretsu Forum to the East Coast in 2011. The network said his leadership has been instrumental in providing members with high-quality deal flow, while simultaneously connecting entrepreneurs with the capital and resources they need to thrive.
“In 2023, we see how the market correction is impacting the early-stage asset class,” Lubert said in a statement. “As fewer companies are finding an exit, the impact permeates all asset classes. Our focus is on building strong deals, mentoring companies, and, together, patiently navigating their journey to important milestones and eventual exit. As Steve Jobs is quoted saying, “it takes a long time to make a company an overnight success.”
The forum said that accredited investors in North Texas are invited to attend the meeting. Admission is free, but registration is required. Go here for more information and registration.
Keiretsu Forum is a private equity angel investment network with more than 2,000 accredited investors in 34 North American and 23 international chapters, who have invested more than $1 billion in early-stage companies in the last 23 years.
Its portfolio features entrepreneurs and companies from Technology (internet, software, cyber security, SaaS, mobile systems, IoT, etc.), Life Sciences (pharma, medical devices, health IT, etc.), FinServ/FinTech, consumer products, clean-green energy, and more.
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Keiretsu Forum—one of the largest angel investor networks in the world and the No. 1 most active in the U.S. in 2022—says it's building on the momentum of the region's startup ecosystem. The new North Texas Chapter will kick off with its first meeting in September.
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