About yourself
Current Roles:
Working as an Independent Director in Luxembourg
Founder & Manager of Haras de Prepinson (Horse breeding & training farm in Belgium that also rents out houses and organises small company retreats)
I have my background in PE real estate.
Education: Accounting & Finance at London School of Economics
First Job: Financial Management Program at GE Financial Services
Work Attire: Depends on the day!
Hobbies: Running, Skiing, Tennis, Horse riding, Reading
Most admired entrepreneur or investor, and why:
I admire any entrepreneur that has the mindset and courage to start and develop a successful venture.
How did you begin angel investing?
How did you get involved with angel investing?
I have been interested in new business ventures for a long time and became involved with angel investing through my brother who is a serial entrepreneur and investor on a full-time basis.
What was your first angel investment?
My first angel investment was in a UK music social network company that did not make it in the end. Lessons learned!
What was your most meaningful investment?
I have invested in an app that uses game mechanics and empathy to support people suffering from depression. And I would love to invest in the right company which helps to solve the current climate crisis!
What is your almost unmentionable secret as an investor?
I don't think there are any secrets but for me it is all about trusting the team, making sure the numbers make sense and following my gut instinct.
You & LBAN
Why did you decide to join LBAN?
I wanted to become involved with the angel investment ecosystem here in Luxembourg and get access to a local deal flow. Most of my current investments are in Sweden or in the UK.
What benefits did you find in LBAN?
I like the idea of investing in a group. It makes us stronger and it can be very beneficial to discuss with co-investors. I really enjoy going to the pitching sessions!
Investing
How do you find the companies for investments as a business angel? Which ways works best
for you?
I normally find the companies through contacts or in sectors where I am already active. LBAN pitching sessions are also a great way to find investments.
How do you evaluate deals? What are your investment criteria and the qualities you are
looking for?
I try to look at the classic things such as the idea/product, the market & competition, traction and the team. I want to understand how the company makes money and if their predictions are reasonable. The team must be well connected, work full time on the project and be willing to work hard.
Considering being a generalist rather than a specialist, are you looking for some reasonable metrics which helps you to make a decision on a particular investment?
It depends on the type of investment but I generally find it important to look at costs to acquire new customers versus what they generate, just to mention one.
Your Investments
Can you explain the motivation behind your investments?
Each of my investments have a different story. I very much enjoy investing in companies and teams that I believe in and to follow the company over time. Some of my investments are motivated by a closeness to the people involved, others are in areas that I am interested in. Others because I simply believe in them.
As a business angel, how do you support your portfolio companies? In which ways do you
help start-up further accelerate their growth?
I like to be available for companies where I can add value. This makes investing much more interesting.
Tips & Advice
What were your lessons learned from previous investments?
Trust your gut feeling. If it feels too good to be true, it often is!
Do you have any advice for new angel investors?
Discuss with people to learn more, the LBAN network is great with people from different sectors. I would also recommend the Angel Academy provided by LBAN to establish strong foundation.
Which are the most important qualities of a good business angel?
A good business angel should add value to the company they are investing in.
In your opinion, is it better to become a business angel investor or invest in a VC
fund?
I would say that it depends on your risk appetite and your willingness to be involved. I enjoy choosing and closely following each company, that's why I prefer to be a business angel.
Do you have any other pieces of advice?
LBAN is a great way in if you are interested in becoming a business angel.
Thank you Eva!
With this, we would like to once again welcome you to LBAN Investment Committee, where, alongside your few peers, you are selecting startups to present to LBAN group of investors at our monthly pitching session.
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