CATEGORY 30 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST EVENTS Q What drives your passion to make angel investing accessible to everyone? I believe that great companies shouldn’t just be built by a lucky few – and equally, great investments shouldn’t only be available to the wealthy elite with insider access. Angel investing is one of the most exciting, highimpact ways to use your money, but for a long time, it’s been opaque and gatekept. I’m passionate about helping everyday people – especially women – step into this space confidently, build wealth, and back the kind of future they want to see. Q What should someone look out for when starting to build their portfolio of startup investments? Startups are risky, so diversification is key – think of angel investing like planting seeds. One won’t grow into a forest, but twenty might. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and think of this as a long-term game (7–10 years). Look for founders you believe in, companies solving real problems, and business models you can understand. And ideally, invest alongside people you trust, such as experienced lead investors or syndicates. Q Can you describe any trends you are seeing in startup investing? We’re seeing a few big shifts: 1. Democratisation of access – more platforms (like Aussie Angels!) are making it easier for individuals to find great opportunities and co-invest alongside experienced investors. 2. Rise of niche funds and syndicates – investors want to back sectors they care about, whether that’s climate tech, health, or female founders. 3. More disciplined investing – after the wild highs of 2021, both founders and investors are a lot more focused on fundamentals, profitability, and capital efficiency. Q Is there a particular industry you find is more of a “sure thing” to invest in? There’s no such thing as a “sure thing” in startups – that’s part of the game. But I do see a lot of opportunity in sectors solving real-world problems with tailwinds behind them. Climate tech, digital health, and financial inclusion are a few areas where we’re seeing strong growth and a lot of innovation. That said, the best investments often come from backing exceptional founders early, not chasing hot sectors late. Q According to a Forbes article last October, women founders receive less than 3% of venture capitalist funding despite demonstrating a greater ROI to their male counterparts. In your opinion, what are the barriers and how can we overcome them? The barriers are systemic and cultural: networks that exclude women, patternmatching that favours male founders, and unconscious bias across the board. One of Fifth in a series One-to-one with Cusp Collective speakers the biggest levers for change is getting more women on the other side of the table – as investors. When women invest, we fund more women. We ask different questions. We make space for different outcomes. Education, visibility, and access are key – and that’s why I’m so passionate about bringing more women into angel investing. Q Anything you would like to add... You don’t have to be a finance expert to get started. You just need curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a bit of courage. Every great investor was once a beginner. Don’t count yourself out – the startup ecosystem needs your perspective, your experience, and your capital. X For more insightful speakers, join the waitlist for next year’s Cusp Collective Conference in Kingscliff, NSW www.thecuspcollective.com.au CherylMack Dr Tiffany Chen, periodontist and founder of The Cusp Collective chats with Cheryl Mack from Aussie Angels
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