This is Technically Baltimore’s Better Know an Angel. We hope to use this space to highlight local angel investors investing in Baltimore-based startups. If you’re an angel investor interested in being profiled here, complete this questionnaire.
Before Greg Cangialosi slapped his name on the Federal Hill incubator Betamore as cofounder, he was a founder of a different kind: in 2001 he started his e-mail marketing company, Blue Sky Factory.
Since selling Blue Sky Factory in summer 2011, though, Cangialosi has involved himself in Baltimore’s startup community in other ways, chiefly through his role as Betamore cofounder, a private angel investor and one of the organizers of the Baltimore Angels, a local angel investing group.
“The Baltimore Angels … is committed to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Baltimore,” he said.
Where do you live?
Federal Hill.
Name three things you consider before investing in a startup.
- Team
- Product/service and the market
- Traction
Name one local company you’ve recently invested in.
Riskive [also a Betamore company]
Why do you invest in Baltimore-based companies?
Baltimore is a mini-hotbed of startup activity that is actively growing in a number of verticals: EdTech, ad tech, health care, cybersecurity and more.
I personally believe in recycling in the ecosystem. A founder should start, scale, sell, then rebuild the ecosystem, then go back to doing what they are best at: building companies, and creating jobs, opportunities and wealth.
What would you change about the startup scene in Baltimore?
- That we have more entrepreneurs giving back to the community. We are doing well, but more energy is always better in this case. I’d like to see more established mentoring programs from entrepreneurs who have been successful.
- I also think the local universities are activating more entrepreneurial programs that are offering students the pathway and access to the local ecosystem. I see this as a big enabler for entrepreneurial activity.
- I would also like to see more incentives for people to start or to move their startups to Baltimore. Talent retention and attraction should be an important focus for the region.
How can entrepreneurs get in touch?
Best way to reach me is via e-mail: greg AT cangialosi DOT net.
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