Angel Investing, Investment Strategies and Mentorship- Gary Forni

Guest:Gary ForniChairman, Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN)Host:Melissa AarskaugExecutive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnectEpisode Overview:In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug chats with Gary Forni, veteran angel investor and chairman of CTAN. Gary walks us through the world of angel investing—from spotting promising startups to what really goes on during the due diligence process. He shares the real-life lessons that come with backing winners and learning from misses, while also spotlighting the powerful mentorship culture within CTAN. This episode also unpacks where the startup ecosystem is heading, the trends to watch, and why angel investing isn’t just about capital—it’s about community, patience, and impact.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Background08:39 – Identifying and Selecting Startups for Investment23:56 – Lessons Learned from Successful and Unsuccessful Investments27:19 – Trends in the Startup Ecosystem and Angel Investing29:56 – The Future of Angel Investing34:33 – Advice for Aspiring Angel InvestorsConnect With Us:Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnectSocial:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaugX: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

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This is the Executive Connect Podcast - a show for the new generation of leaders. Join us as we discover unconventional leadership strategies not traditionally associated with executive roles. Our guests include upper-level C-Suite executives charting new ways to grow their organizations, successful entrepreneurs changing the way the world does business, and experts and thought leaders from fields outside of Corporate America that can bring new insights into leadership, prosperity, and personal growth - all while connecting on a human level. No one has all the answers - but by building a community of open-minded and engaged leaders we hope to give you the tools you need to help you find your own path to success.