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November 2005 Presenters

Calling Angels & Entrepreneurs

If you're an investor, entrepreneur, or businessperson with a desire to mentor others, C-Cap and Queen City Angels need you!

C-Cap, a division of The Circuit, is Cincinnati's angel capital hub. Directed by Jim Cunningham, it manages the angel investment process for Queen City Angels (QCA). QCA is a group of 21 affluent individuals who provide capital and mentoring to companies with high growth potential. It is the "farm team" to the venture capital industry.

"C-Cap and QCA have created a successful process for entrepreneurs to apply for angel capital," explains Jim. "We also provide counseling to help get entrepreneurs on the right track, before they apply to QCA."

This C-Cap buffer is important in helping develop entrepreneurs and companies within the region. Many entrepreneurs enter the investment arena not fully knowing what is expected. Jim explains, "We help them make sure their final presentation to QCA is as strong as possible," which results in more funding and local growth.

C-Cap is also the city's "face" of angel capital. Jim serves on a variety of boards and steering committees, including the Greater Cincinnati Venture Association, Cincinnati Creates Companies and Soundingboard, and speaks frequently at the University of Cincinnati, Xavier and Northern Kentucky University. He also works with groups in Columbus and Dayton, sharing information and deals. "We are co-investing with other groups more and more," he says. In fact, two of QCA's latest deals have been co-investments with the Columbus group, Ohio Tech Angels.

To ensure Cincinnati's angel investment community remains vital, new blood is necessary. C-Cap and Queen City Angels are actively seeking those interested in investing; entrepreneurs ready for angel funding; and businesspeople willing to provide mentoring to young entrepreneurs.

If you are interested in helping in any of these areas, please visit C-Cap's website, www.c-cap.net, or contact Jim at jcunningham@thecircuit.net.