As a rule I live by, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” The new SEC rules violate that basic principle (see: http://www.startuplawblog.com/ or my previous posts). There is virtually no fraud in the Angel Investing asset class, but the SEC has decided to impose (without a Congressional mandate) stringent new rules that will cripple angel investing.
Let me use …
Read more >
The SEC just announced some new rules, based largely on the requirements of the JOBS Act. These rules, on their surface, seem really great. They acknowledge the rise in angel investing by allow companies to seek out angels nationally via “general solicitation.” Unlike Crowdfunding, which allows companies to seek investment from the general public, these rules apply ONLY to accredited …
Read more >
Frequent readers of my blog know that I am active in public policy on behalf of angels. They also know that I am a nerd and about as far from a lawyer as you can get. So, they should take this post in that spirit.
When angels purchase stock in a startup, they must certify to the issuer that they …
Read more >
As the VC market has (in general) moved upstream to later and later-stage deals, angel investors have filled the breach by not only investing at the seed stage, but also carrying deals through to exit. As a result, an increasing number of angels are joining groups (like the Alliance of Angels). As these groups reach their capital capacity in a …
Read more >
My first photo book, Pantanal Magic, is now available for pre-order. Cost will be $100 per book and 100% of the proceeds will go the Seattle Humane Society (www.SeattleHumane.org) and Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/). To see a preview of the book, go to www.rosen-photo.com and click on the Pantanal Magic Book link. …
Read more >
Once again, through inadvertent action, the federal government is about to threaten Angel Investing. This all started as a way to increase investment in startups, when congress passed, and the Obama signed the JOBS Act (see: http://blog.drosenassoc.com/?p=97). Title II of the JOBS Act allows “General Solicitation and Advertising” of private placements (like Angel deals). One would think this is …
Read more >
As you know, I chair the Public Policy Committee of the Angel Capital Association (http://www.angelcapitalassociation.org/). In that regard, I’ve spent a bunch of time in Washington, DC, meeting with legislators and executive branch people. I thought it would be useful to post a simplified version of the story we tell.
It still surprises me, being so immersed in …
Read more >
I recently participated in the Clinton Global Initiative that was held in Chicago on June 7th and 8th. It really was a fascinating event in many respects. The agenda can be found at: http://www.cgiamerica.org/2012/agenda/. The basic thread was what specifically can be done to put America back to work. There were a slew of great speakers …
Read more >
The Northwest ACA Regional meeting was held in Seattle on May 1-2. About 80 active angels from around the Northwest attended, from WA, OR, ID, BC, and Montana. A few guests from CA and even New Zealand were also there. Sponsored by the AoA (www.allianceofangels.com) and hosted by K&L Gates (http://www.klgates.com/), most attendees seemed to find …
Read more >
I have been asked repeatedly over the last several weeks: “What does the JOBS Act mean for Angels?” In this and other future blog postings, I will give my perspective.
First, what is the JOBS Act? It stands for Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act; it has nothing to do with earlier jobs stimulus efforts other than sharing an acronym. It …
Read more >