Thinking about pitching to our AwakenAngels syndicate?
With lots of experience and numerous successes and failures between us, we understand that pitching to investors can feel daunting and that as a founders you will have many questions you need answered around what the investment journey entails.
Why not take a few moments to read the FAQs below and if the answer to your question isn’t there, then please feel free to drop us a line with your query at XXXXXXXX and we’ll get right back to you.
Remember though, that with AwakenHub and our brilliant community of women founders in your corner, you’ll soon have everything you need to stand tall, speak with confidence, and secure the backing to grow your business.
What is the AwakenAngels syndicate and who runs it?
Do you want to put in re how many members? How many deals etc
How can I pitch my company to the AwakenAngels syndicate?
To be invited to pitch to our syndicate members, we ask that your business is:
- A member of AwakenHub (We want to know the women being put forward for angel investment consideration. We also want to ensure they can receive the support they need to be ready for such an important step)
- Women-led (your cofounder/s can be men)
- Located and registered on the island of Ireland
- At pre-seed or seed stage (early-stage investment)
- Market validated
We host regular pitch events across the island of Ireland (North and South) and online, allowing pre-screened founders to present directly to our women-led angel syndicate. We’re interested in all sectors and industries as long as you can demonstrate you have an investible business. We’re strict about these criteria because we want to invest in founders we know, trust, and can support. We know, traditionally, how hard it has been for women to raise investment, so via AwakenHub, we’re making sure you have the tools, network, and preparation to make your pitch as strong and investible as possible from people who have walked the walk and been in your shoes.
Do I need to be a member of AwakenHub to pitch?
Yes. AwakenAngels pitches are open only to AwakenHub members. That’s because AwakenHub membership gives you access to the skills, resources, and community you’ll need to put your very best pitch forward. Think of it as your personal training ground. By the time you stand in front of the angels, you’ll know your stuff inside-out. Why not hear from some of our AwakenHub members and existing portfolio companies directly?
I've never pitched to investors before. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Many of the founders who pitch to our syndicate are pitching for the first-time. That’s why we ask you to join AwakenHub’s community. Our programmes and support will guide you through what investors want to see, help you refine your pitch deck, and boost your confidence to share your vision. The brilliant and inspiring women founders you will meet on your AwakenHub journey will also help you believe in yourself 3 because they’re doing it too, with honesty, humour, and all their responsibilities in tow!
What's the timeframe from submitting my pitch to a decision?
Once applications close for one of our pitching events, we review all submissions and shortlist founders within a few weeks. Shortlisted founders are invited to pitch at the next AwakenAngels event. After pitching, the initial decision process is usually within two to four weeks, followed by a due diligence phase if you’re successful. The whole process from submission to investment can take anywhere from 6312 weeks, depending on your stage of readiness and the complexity of the deal.
What's the process to pitch?
- Join AwakenHub and get involved in the community.
- Build your pitch and business plan with our support.
- Apply when we open for founder pitches.
- If shortlisted, you’ll present to the AwakenAngels syndicate. We will be holding regular pitch events around the country (North and South) and online to present founders to our women-led angel syndicate.
- Only those whose deck has been submitted and approved will be invited to pitch.
- If successful, you’ll move into due diligence before funding is finalised.
I'm not sure if my business is "big enough" for angel investment.
If you have an idea or business that can grow, reach more customers, and make a real impact, we want to hear from you. Sometimes those closest to us or well-meaning advisors can dull your dreams! You don’t have to be a huge company already; you just need ambition and a plan to scale. Join AwakenHub and whatever stage your company is at we’ll provide the right support, programmes, and opportunities for you and your business!
What kinds of businesses do you back?
We’re open to investing in all sectors – tech, food, creative, health, sustainability, social enterprise, you name it. If it’s a great idea with potential, we’re interested.
How much investment could I get?
Our angels typically invest between XXXXXX and XXXXX? This can be alongside other investors to help you reach your full funding target and as you will know, by being an AwakenHub member, it can be the leverage you need to secure future funding. Just ask Naomi McGregor, founder of MoveTru!
But I just need investment. I know my business and sector. Why do I have to join AwakenHub?
AwakenAngels invests exclusively in women founders connected to the AwakenHub community, as we’ve seen how our ecosystem accelerates their success. Joining AwakenHub isn’t just a box to tick. It’s about connecting with a network of mentors, educators, and investors who understand the unique challenges that women founders face. It’s also about becoming part of a community of fellow women founders who will quickly become your trusted advisors, your shoulders to cry on (when necessary!), and be among your biggest cheerleaders. We know that our portfolio companies have grown faster, raised, and built stronger investor relationships because they started with that community support and reassurance. We want you to have that confidence and your business to have that same advantage before and after raising investment.
When you join AwakenHub you’ll be joining a supportive, like-minded network of women founders who are on the same journey as you.
You’ll get access to:
- Pitch preparation sessions
- Expert workshops and masterclasses
- Honest feedback from experienced founders and investors
- Opportunities to connect with potential collaborators and mentors
- The opportunity to have one-to-one diary slots with the AwakenHub cofounding team for invaluable insights into your business and any barriers you are facing.
AwakenHub offers everything you need to turn your pitch into an investable opportunity. Just ask any of our existing members!
Do you help founders prepare their pitch decks and pitches?
Yes, of course. It’s one of the biggest benefits of being an AwakenHub member. We’ll walk you through exactly what investors want to see, help you shape your story, and make sure your numbers and plans are clear. You’ll have access to workshops, pitch clinics, and peer feedback, so by the time you meet the AwakenAngels, you’ll be confident and ready
What does pitching to the AwakenAngels syndicate involve?
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to present your business to the AwakenAngels syndicate. It’s a panel of experienced investors (men and women). You’ll have a set amount of time to deliver your pitch (usually 5310 minutes), followed by a Q&A. It’s a friendly, professional environment where the angels want you to succeed and will ask questions to better understand your business and growth plans. Following the pitch, you’ll also have the opportunity to have further conversations with any interested investors. After pitching, the initial decision process is usually within two to four weeks, followed by a due diligence phase if you’re successful. The entire process, from submission to investment, can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks, depending on your stage of readiness and the complexity of the deal.
Is there a cost to apply?
There’s no fee to apply or pitch. Aside from your time, your only financial outlay is your AwakenHub membership at only £140 per year/ £15 per month, which unlocks everything you need to make sure you are feeling confident and investor-ready (and that also gives you access to a brilliant and inspiring founder community that is highly likely to become a cornerstone in your life!)
What if I apply and I'm not successful?
Then we go again! You’ll get valuable feedback, and you’ll work with the AwakenHub community to strengthen your business for the next opportunity.
Do you invest in purpose-led or social enterprises?
Yes. Absolutely. We believe great businesses can make both profit and a positive impact.
I'm nervous about investors. Will they be intimidating?
Not at all. Our angels are here because they believe in supporting Irish-women founders. They want you to succeed and they want their investments to succeed. Many are also exited founders and remember what it’s like to be in your shoes, and many more are also happy to offer their professional experience, where relevant, to make your business stronger. The founders who have received investment from the AwakenAngels syndicate have all reported that their experiences with our investors have really bolstered their business and their self-confidence.