Many new entrepreneurs, particularly in the knowledge economy, fail to realize the distinction between invention and innovation.  What all private investors need to know is the fit between the proposition and market need, the certainty of sales, the scaleability of the opportunity, and the chances of making a successful exit and realizing a return on their investment.

In the UK, twice as money investment is made by Business Angels than Venture Capitalists, £750m pa compared to £359m in 2008-9.  Earlier stage angel investment is therefore the lifeblood for new high-growth potential entrepreneurs trying to get new business ventures off the ground.

Although over half of all angel deals do not return their stake money, early stage UK angel investments have a 22% IRR return overall.  In addition to proven markets, industry experience and a strong, involved board all positively and significantly influence the success of the business and its ability to grow.

YTKO works with a range of individual investors, angel networks and VC’s to help appropriate clients who are investment-ready to prepare for and access private equity finance. Through its not-for-profit spin out Norfolk Network, Bev Hurley, YTKO’s CEO, created an angel investment group in 2006 to help find funding for appropriate member and client businesses.

Lastly, we invest or co-invest in selected ventures where we can add value through our long business experience and as non-executive directors to help maximize swift and successful market entry and/or business growth.