A Journey from Politics to Paris

Vera was born and raised in San Francisco, where she honed her skills in political fundraising and strategy on Capitol Hill. After eight years of working on high-profile political campaigns as a Deputy Chief of Staff and National Finance Director, she made a pivotal decision to move to Paris. This transition marked the beginning of her immersion into the French Tech ecosystem.

In Paris, Vera joined Afrostream, a startup backed by Y Combinator, and quickly became a key player in the tech scene. Since then, she has taken on various operational and advisory roles in multiple startups and accelerators, paving the way for her successful entry into angel investing. As an Atomico Angel, she has built an impressive portfolio of over 30 impact startups across Europe and the U.S., focusing on those that prioritize social and environmental outcomes.

Vera’s Insights on Angel Investing

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Vera and discuss her thoughts on the current state and future of angel investing. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation, which she will delve into during her 45-minute Lunch and Learn session at the Evangelistas' first European Super Angel Program.

What Makes a Great Angel Investor?

According to Vera, a great angel investor is not just someone who writes checks; they are also passionate advocates for their startups. "A great angel investor is someone that is an ardent early believer and evangelist for the startup and the founding team," she explains. They provide mentorship, make crucial introductions, and stay engaged with the founders, responding to their needs and updates. Vera emphasizes the importance of adding tangible value, whether by connecting startups with potential customers, partners, or future hires.

Her Superpower: Networking

Vera’s knack for networking and connecting like-minded individuals is another key asset. "I have an uncanny ability to memorize specific details about people and conversations," she shares. This skill enables her to make meaningful introductions that benefit her portfolio companies and the broader ecosystem. Throughout her career, she has consistently leveraged her network to foster collaboration among investors and founders.

Advice for Aspiring Angel Investors

For those just starting their angel investing journey, Vera offers practical advice:

1. Start Small: Don't rush into writing large checks. Instead, focus on building conviction and understanding the investment landscape.
2. Document Your Thoughts: Write down your reasons for investing in a startup, including concerns and risks, to clarify your decision-making process.
3. Track Your Investments: Create a system, such as a simple Google Sheet, to track key details of your investments, including ownership percentages and performance metrics.

Collaboration in the Angel Community

Vera believes in the power of collaboration among investors. She actively participates in syndicates, operator networks, and angel groups, emphasizing the importance of sharing deal flow and supporting each other. "It's impossible to see everything, but you can have multiple ears and eyes on the ground helping you out," she notes.

Overcoming Challenges in the French Ecosystem

Vera is candid about the challenges facing the angel investing community in France, particularly the lack of diversity. She points out that the French ecosystem can feel closed off, with many deals going to the same well-known names. "If you don’t know the right people, it’s almost impossible to get into the right deals," she explains. Vera advocates for creating a more inclusive environment where diverse voices are represented on cap tables, highlighting the need for more women and people of color in the investment space.

What to Expect in Veras Super Angel Session

During her Lunch and Learn session, Vera will share her insights on the art of angel investing, including practical strategies for building a diverse and impactful portfolio. Participants can expect to learn about the importance of mentorship, networking, and collaboration, along with actionable steps to start their own angel investing journey. To learn more about the Evangelistas first European Super Angel Program (CLICK HERE) and join us to elevate your angel investing together with leading investors and the power of our +350 women investors community!

As Vera Baker joins the Evangelistas' Super Angel Program, her wealth of experience and commitment to fostering diversity and impact investing will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of angel investors. We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to the meaningful conversations that will emerge from her session.

Thank you, Vera, for sharing your insights and for the incredible work you do in empowering entrepreneurs and shaping the future of angel investing

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