Where Education, Health and Cleantech Entrepreneurs Can Find Capital

Investors' Circle, a network of impact investors, is dedicated to the growth of businesses with high social and environmental impact. As mentioned in Forbes recently, the IC network invested more than $10 million in early-stage enterprises in 2012, and targets are higher for 2013. Some of the exciting companies in Education, Health and Cleantech that raised significant investment through IC in 2012 are:

• LearnZillion - LearnZillion delivers more than 2,000 video lessons built from Common Core Standards and produced by top teachers for students, parents and education professionals.
• Bioceptive  - Bioceptive is developing a patent-pending intrauterine device (IUD) inserter that vastly simplifies the insertion procedure while significantly reducing complications inherent in current insertion techniques.
• Gridtest Systems - Gridtest Systems eliminates the interoperability and safety challenges faced by electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, infrastructure providers and users by providing test equipment that demonstrates reliable and safe operation of EV charging stations, in accordance with global industry standards.

Early-stage entrepreneurs are invited to apply to this active network of socially responsible angel investors, venture capitalists, foundations and family offices. Applicants will be considered for an opportunity to present (pitch) at the Investors’ Circle Spring 2013 Venture Fair & Forum, scheduled for May 8–9 in San Francisco, CA.

Application deadline: Friday, February 1 by 5pm PT | 8pm ET

There is a $200 application fee and all entrepreneurs are first directed to review IC's criteria and funding process. Qualifying businesses receive immediate exposure to network members and will be considered for IC's in-person and virtual venture fairs. They will be highlighted in an e-newsletter read widely by IC's entire investor network and a permanent profile is automatically posted on GUST, IC's secure online deal database.

Entrepreneurs selected to present will be notified within 6–8 weeks, at which time they will receive presentation coaching. Entrepreneurs will engage an exclusive audience of angel and institutional investors, and are offered ample networking time.  An outstanding feature of working with this group of investors is that interested parties enter due diligence discussions right away, greatly faciliating the investment process.

"The recent rise in our network's investment levels are exciting," says Justin Desrosiers, IC's Director of Strategy & Operations and the one in charge of the organization's vetting process. "Entrepreneurs in education, health and cleantech are enthusiastically encouraged to get their applications in for consideration and now is an optimal time to do it."