Frequently Asked Questions
You might have some questions about the Effective Investor that will help you decide if this course is right for you. Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions from our students and angel community to help you take the next step in your angel investing journey.
FAQ
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Does the course come with validated certification and recognition?
Yes, the course comes with a certificate on completion, provided to you by the UKBAA, as the national trade body for Angel investing in the UK. This is an industry recognised certificate demonstrating that you have the knowledge and understanding of how to be an Effective Angel Investor.
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I’ve already invested in a business. Do I still need to do this course?
Making one investment would normally not give you sufficient insight into the process to be able to have in-depth knowledge of angel investing. This course enables you to access the experience and knowledge built up over many years from leading angel investors so that you can accelerate your journey to becoming an experienced and effective angel investor and avoid many of the mistakes that you would normally make as a new and less experienced investor.
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Will this course be relevant to me if I have mainly made investments through crowdfunding?
Yes, this course is designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge to understand how to make your own discerning choices of which businesses and projects to back beyond just following the “wisdom of the crowd”. The course provides you with the tools to help you understand your role and the opportunity beyond just committing finance so to help you influence the long term growth and outcome for the businesses you back.
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Will the course be updated to reflect industry developments and any changes in the technical or regulatory environment for angel investing?
Yes, because this course is set up and operated by UKBAA, the leading industry association for angel investing, you will have access to the latest market intelligence, cutting edge data and constant updating to ensure that the information and guidance is correct, especially in relation to the technical and tax environment for angel investing. You will also be able to attend special industry events and have access to the latest research data.
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How long will the course take to complete? Can I pause and come back to it later?
This course is entirely designed for self-learning and for you to go at your own pace. There are 6 modules and each module lasts between 40-60 minutes. You can pause at any time within a module, or at the end of a module. You will also receive an email reminder of where you have got to in the course so you can pick up where you left off any time.
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What happens next when I have completed the course if I want to start angel investing in businesses in my area?
Once you have completed the course you will be offered direct help and personal guidance from UKBAA in accessing local angel investment groups relevant to your sector and regional preferences, including introductions to relevant players in the investment community. As a certificated Effective Angel Investor you will also be able to be a member of UKBAA and will be invited to attend showcase and pitching events, organised by UKBAA and by our partners and members where you can see potential deals and meet other likeminded investors.
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What are the core requirements for being an angel investor so I don’t waste my time in purchasing this course?
From a regulatory perspective, under the FCA rules Financial Promotion Order and Markets Act, you can be a business angel and receive business plans and make investments in a small business through your own decision if you can self-certify as either High Net Worth or Sophisticated. Fundamentally you need to be an experienced person, able to invest an affordable sum of money in a small business in return for shares in the business and this money should not be required for your daily life or financial commitments and that once invested your money could be tied up for several years may not be returned if the business fails (although there is also a chance that it may do well and you should be eligible to access certain tax reliefs that will offset your risks and which you will learn about on this course).
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Is the course suitable for women who want to start angel investing, or is the course mainly aimed at men who wish to invest?
Yes, the course material and focus is very much aimed at both women and men wishing to get involved in angel investing. Currently, there are not enough women taking up investing in small businesses. UKBAA is very keen to encourage more women to engage in angel investing and has therefore set out to deliberately ensure that the course content and approach is relevant and accessible for women. Notably, in developing this course, UKBAA has drawn on the experience of a number of women who are currently investing and who will talk about their own backgrounds and motivations and explain the benefits and opportunities of angel investing as a woman investor, including tips and advice for women investors based on their own investing experiences.
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I am an entrepreneur – would this course be useful to me in seeking angel investment?
Whilst much of this course is extremely relevant for entrepreneurs when looking to attract angel investing and much of the content provides strong insights on the angel market, what investors look for and how they approach the whole investing process, it is primarily aimed at those seeking to invest in small businesses, rather than those seeking investment. However, if you are potentially interested in being an angel investor in the future, this course would be of relevance to you.
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Will I be able to access the course material once I have completed The Effective Investor?
Yes, once you have completed the course your profile will remain fully accessible and will not expire. You will be free to review the course content as much as you like.