Live Free and Start aims to pump up NH capital

Two November events focus on building investor pool and matchmaking opportunities

Recognizing access to capital is a challenge for growing startups in New Hampshire, the Live Free and Start Advisory Council is hosting two events in November aimed at both aspiring and seasoned investors, including a matchmaking event for early-stage growth companies, regional investors and tech influencers.

The Northern New England Women’s Investor Network — a coalition of aspiring and seasoned women investors from New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont — will hold its inaugural educational event from 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the 100 Club in Portsmouth.

Jean Hammond, co-founder of the Boston-based ed-tech accelerator LearnLaunch, will lead the interactive training session. The event will also include a panel featuring Barbara Clarke — a member of Astia and Pipeline Angels and founding principal of The Impact Seat, which works with individuals and companies to apply the best research and practices for inclusive innovation — and Sandra Stone, chair emeritus of Maine Angels.

The event is open only to accredited investors — individuals whose earned income exceeds $200,000 (or $300,000 with a spouse) each of the prior two years as well as the current year, or who have a net worth of over $1 million. Women seeking to hone their skills, network with peers and explore early-stage investing opportunities in northern New England are encouraged to attend. For more information visit livefreeandstart.com.

At the end of the month, early-stage startups will get the opportunity to pitch directly to investors at the NH Speed Venture Summit, from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford.

Startups are encouraged to apply now for the opportunity to pitch. Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 20. Companies will be notified by Friday, Nov. 3. Those accepted will be also attend a pitch camp on Thursday, Nov. 9 and Monday Nov. 13, both from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Alpha Loft in Manchester.

Investors confirmed to attend include 10X Venture Partners, Alumni Ventures Group, Borealis Ventures, eCoast Angel Network, First Run Angels, Jeremy Hitchcock, Maine Angels, North Country Angels, Northeast Angels, Our Town Capital, Rines Fund, SideCar Angels and Wasabi Ventures.

After a 90-minute speed dating session open only to participating investors and companies selected to pitch, a networking reception open to startups, tech influencers, investors and ecosystem partners will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a fireside chat with David Verrill, founder and managing director of Hub Angel Investment Group and chairman emeritus of Angel Capital Association, moderated by Matt Rightmire, managing director at Borealis Ventures.

For more information, click here.