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Angel investors are no longer just writing checks – they’re becoming strategic advisors, board members, and even fractional executives.

But how do founders attract the right angel investors who bring more than money to the table?

Tony Kula

Tony Kula is a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the communications sector. He has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, navigating both bootstrapped and venture capital-backed ventures. Now based between the south of France and Berlin, Tony is dedicated to sharing his entrepreneurial insights through mentoring and angel investing. With a human-centric approach to business, he brings a wealth of knowledge in scaling startups, building impactful networks, and fostering sustainable growth. Outside of business, Tony is an avid triathlete and a devoted family man.

Tony Kula has built a career around creating and scaling communications-focused ventures, leveraging his extensive industry expertise to drive innovation and market success. With a proven track record of both bootstrapped and VC-backed exits, Tony now channels his entrepreneurial energy into supporting the next wave of founders as a mentor and angel investor. His ventures have spanned digital media, telecommunications, and strategic communications, each with a focus on transformative growth and long-term impact. Today, he continues to foster connections and opportunities for founders across Europe, combining his business acumen with a passion for community and mentorship.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages with angel investor Tony Kula, who shares his extensive journey from an early career in IT to becoming a successful entrepreneur and angel investor. Tony discusses the importance of building relationships in the investment space, the lessons learned from his own experiences, and the evolving landscape of angel investing. He emphasizes the need for founders to demonstrate traction and financial discipline while also highlighting the significance of authenticity in storytelling. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of investing and the importance of supporting the next generation of founders.

Takeaways

Tony Kula's journey from IT to entrepreneurship is marked by a desire for independence.

Angel investing involves learning from mistakes and adapting strategies over time.

Building relationships with investors is crucial for founders seeking funding.

Authenticity and transparency in storytelling are vital for successful pitches.

Investors look for financial discipline and traction in startups before investing.

The landscape of angel investing is evolving, with a shift towards profitability over rapid growth.

Founders should focus on building genuine connections rather than just seeking capital.

Diversity in an investment portfolio is essential for angel investors.

The importance of mentorship and support for young founders cannot be overstated.

The future of investing may lean towards smaller, sustainable businesses rather than unicorns.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Angel Investment

01:26 Tony's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Journey

06:16 Transitioning to Angel Investing

12:16 Insights for Founders Seeking Investment

22:57 Building Relationships with Investors

29:03 The Future of Angel Investing

38:19 Supporting the Next Generation of Founde

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