Ever wanted expert insights on how angel investing really works?
AwakenHub recently brought together two leading voices in the investment world Mary McKenna MBE and Denise McQuaid for an exclusive fireside chat on “How to Catch an Angel Investor.”
Mary, the first-ever dual winner of UK Business Angel of the Year and EU Female Angel of the Year, shared her practical wisdom as a serial investor, exited entrepreneur, and expert advisor to the European Commission and Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. Denise, AwakenAngels Co-Founder and Director of Investor Relations, added her global perspective as a Growth Advisor at Cranfield University and long-time advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The pair went head-to-head in a lively, two-way conversation packed with real-world advice on what angels look for, how to build investor confidence, and the most common fundraising mistakes to avoid. Attendees also connected through AwakenHub’s legendary breakout rooms, always a highlight for founders and investors alike.
Missed it live? AwakenHub members can now watch the replay of “How to Catch an Angel Investor” and unlock access to a full line-up of founder and investor sessions designed to help you learn, connect, and grow.
Join AwakenHub today and be part of a vibrant community reshaping the future of angel investing.
From Experience to Confidence: How One Woman Found Her Power in Angel
When Nancy Holland first heard about Awaken Angels, she was already an experienced angel investor, but something about this women-led community felt different. Drawn in by the inclusive approach and hands-on support, she attended an Awaken Angels pitch event and later joined their SheVentures summit. What she found wasn’t just another investment group, it was a game-changing space that demystified investing, built her confidence, and gave her the tools to take on due diligence like a pro. Now, as applications open for the next round of Awaken Angels’ CPD-accredited, fully funded Angel Investing Training, you too can begin your journey, no prior experience needed.
“I’ve been involved in angel investing since 2017,” says Nancy Holland. “I’m a member of MedTech in Galway and also part of West by Northwest. But when I came across Awaken Angels, something about it really caught my attention, it was all about women. That really stood out to me.”
Nancy also attended an in-person pitch event hosted by AwakenAngels in Galway. Curious to stay involved, Nancy decided to spend a weekend attending AwakenHub and Awaken Angels’ SheVentures summit. That weekend opened a new door.
“There was a follow-up email inviting us to join a due diligence session,” she recalls. “And that’s something I had really wanted to learn more about. I’d been asked a few times to take part in due diligence with MedTech, but I just didn’t feel confident enough to step into that role.”
That changed after participating in the Awaken Angels Deal Leader Training
Today has been brilliant, really informative,” Nancy says. “What stood out was how accessible everything was. We had solicitors there, and we could actually ask them questions. There were a lot of terms being used in the investing world that I hadn’t fully grasped before. But after today, everything made so much more sense. I was finally able to ask, ‘What exactly does this mean?’, terms like investing preferences and anti-dilution. It was incredibly educational.”
Nancy emphasises how valuable the environment has been, especially for someone like her who comes from a business background and is growing in confidence in angel investing. “Awaken Angels is fabulous. It’s all women-led, and there’s a huge educational element to it. There’s also an amazing support network; you are not on your own.”
She contrasts this experience with her involvement in other investment groups. “With Awaken Angels, if there’s something you don’t know, you can just pick up the phone and call Denise. She’ll either give you the answer or find someone who can. That doesn’t really happen in the other groups I’m in. They’re mostly male-dominated, and it’s just not as easy to reach out.”
“The whole approach with Awaken Angels is totally different. It’s more inclusive, more supportive, definitely easier,” she adds. “And because it’s female oriented, I think that’s a huge advantage.”
Looking ahead, Nancy reflects on the bigger picture: “For the future of the country, we need young founders to come forward and bring out these new companies. That’s what it’s all about. Who knows if pharma will even still be here in ten years? So, it’s vital we push forward on this side of things.”
If you’d like to find out if pushing forward is for you and to find out more about becoming
an Angel Investor please contact Hello@awakenangelshq.com
Investment drives innovation, and if we want a more inclusive future, we need more women backing women. I really feel empowered now to know that I personally can make a difference and begin to shift the dial here.
What stood out was how accessible everything was. I finally understood terms like investing preferences and anti-dilution. This has made a huge difference in my ability to engage meaningfully in deals.
A game changer. This was a fantastic introduction to angel investing. I feel like I've just opened a whole new window into my financial future.
McQuaid
The beauty of AwakenAngels lies in our inclusive approach, a syndicate built for both new and experienced investors who want to actively support early-stage founders. Too often, people think angel investing is “not for me” because they assume their pockets, knowledge, or networks aren’t deep enough. Others simply don’t know where to start. The AwakenAngels Training Academy was created to change that. We want to open up the world of angel investing, especially for women, and to remove the mystery that often surrounds it. Our goal is simple: to help you know what you don’t yet know by giving you the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to invest wisely.
What to Expect
The Academy offers a comprehensive training and learning experience, providing:
Tailored, relevant content designed to take you from curious beginner to confident investor
Ongoing links to ecosystem insights and opportunities
24/7 access to rewatch programme content anytime
Delivered online over five months, the nine one-hour modules cover everything from due diligence to deal terms and exits. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to refresh your skills, you’ll gain a clear, structured understanding of the early-stage investment process. Members who can’t attend live sessions can access all materials for a full year.
The Curriculum
Think of it as painting by numbers — each module builds on the last, covering:
nvestment strategy: how to build a portfolio and read market trends
Due diligence: researching companies, spotting red flags, and assessing risk
Valuation and deal terms: understanding company worth and negotiating fairly
Managing investments: tracking performance and making informed adjustments
Follow-on rounds: knowing when and how to participate
Exit strategies: planning for a profitable and tax-efficient exit
Impact investing: aligning your investments with your values
In addition, members receive ongoing recommendations for books, blogs, podcasts, and resources to stay current in the ever-evolving startup ecosystem.
The AwakenAngels Training Academy is your roadmap to becoming an informed, confident, and connected angel investor — someone who can help shape the next generation of startups.
Interested in joining the next cohort? Contact: hello@AwakenAngelsHQ.com
Deal Leader Training Programme: Preparing Women to Lead Investment Rounds Embed the video at this link
The Deal Leader Training Programme was developed to support experienced women investors to step into lead roles within angel syndicates. Delivered through a blend of expert-led workshops, real-world case studies, and peer collaboration, the training focused on five core areas: due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, legal frameworks, and post-investment governance.
Participants were able to engage directly with legal and investment professionals, assess live start-up pitches, and take part in practical simulations using scenarios drawn from the AwakenAngels portfolio. Many had previously invested capital through syndicates such as AwakenAngels, HBAN, MedTech, or West by North West, yet this programme provided a new level of confidence and leadership capability. One participant summarised the experience by stating,
“I finally understood terms like investing preferences and anti-dilution. This programme made the entire process much more accessible, and I now feel fully prepared to co-lead a
deal.”
The training also fostered strong cross-border collaboration, with syndicate members from across Ireland forming lasting connections and, deepening their engagement with the ecosystem.
Angel Investor Masterclass: An Accessible Introduction to Investing
Alongside our leadership training, AwakenAngels also delivered fifteen Angel Investor Masterclasses across the island. These sessions were designed as an accessible and practical introduction to angel investing, particularly for women with no prior experience in the field.
Participants were able to engage directly with legal and investment professionals, assess live start-up pitches, and take part in practical simulations using scenarios drawn from the AwakenAngels portfolio. Many had previously invested capital through syndicates such as AwakenAngels, HBAN, MedTech, or West by North West, yet this programme provided a new level of confidence and leadership capability. One participant summarised the experience by stating,
“I finally understood terms like investing preferences and anti-dilution. This programme
made the entire process much more accessible, and I now feel fully prepared to co-lead a
deal.”
The training also fostered strong cross-border collaboration, with syndicate members from across Ireland forming lasting connections and, deepening their engagement with the ecosystem.
AwakenAngels Making an Impact
inspirational
a game changer
a fantastic introduction to angel investing
Each 90-minute workshop covered the fundamentals of start-up investing, including risk and return, due diligence basics, valuation, impact investing, and portfolio construction. Delivered in collaboration with a diverse range of partners including chambers of commerce, regional enterprise centres, accelerators, and universities, the programme ensured wide geographical and sectoral reach.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants described the sessions as “inspirational”, “a game changer”, and “a fantastic introduction to angel investing”. Many highlighted the importance of hearing directly from experienced women investors, and the value of connecting with others at
a similar stage of their investment journey.
By demystifying the world of early-stage finance and creating a safe, inclusive space for discussion, the masterclasses established a strong pipeline of aspiring investors who are now ready to take the next step.