Executive Summary
Name: Cheryl Mack
Company: Aussie Angels
Position: CEO and Co-Founder
LinkedIn: [Cheryl Mack - LinkedIn](https://au.linkedin.com/in/cherylmack)
Crunchbase: [Cheryl Mack on CrunchBase](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/cheryl-mack)
Mission: To democratize angel investing in Australia and New Zealand.
Role: Cheryl is an influential figure in the startup ecosystem, known for her active participation in angel investing, strategic advising, and community leadership.
Professional Background
Startup Ecosystem Involvement:
- Australia Move: Cheryl relocated to Australia in 2015 and quickly became a central figure in the startup community.
- StartCon: Founded StartCon, organizing Australia’s largest startup conference and a major pitch competition in the APAC region. This was a crucial step in her integration into the startup scene, without deeply embedding her into the startup network.
Current Roles:
- Aussie Angels: As the CEO and co-founder, Cheryl leads the mission to democratize angel investing, focusing on bringing more participants into the field through education and syndication.
- CMACK Ventures and 361 Angel Club: Engages in a dual role by managing these entities, which further leverages her extensive network and expertise.
- Venture Partner at Black Nova Venture Capital: Provides strategic insights and supports portfolio companies at this venture capital firm.
Investment and Advisory
Active Investor: Cheryl has invested in over 27 startups, showcasing a strong portfolio emphasizing B2B, Fintech, Martech, and HR Tech sectors.
Strategic Advisor: Provides in-depth support to startups, often compensated in equity for her advisory roles, which speaks to her practical approach and hands-on involvement.
Investment Philosophy:
- Founders First: Emphasizes the importance of the founding team’s domain expertise, unique insights, and problem-solving abilities.
- Networks and Connections: Leverages her extensive network to provide valuable introductions and resources to founders, enhancing their chances of success.
Key Achievements and Public Appearances
Notable Achievements:
- Aussie Angels Seed Round: Successfully raised the first seed round for Aussie Angels in January 2023, setting the stage for a significant year ahead.
- Explorer Program: An integral member of AirTree Ventures’ Explorer program, which prompted her to establish Aussie Angels, thereby supporting other burgeoning angel investors.
Media and Speaking Engagements:
- Podcasts and Interviews:
- Featured on various platforms discussing angel investing, including "The Halo Effect" by AirTree Ventures, and the "Give It A Nudge" show.
- Events: Regular speaker at major events like Angel Investors Pitch Night and Startup&Angels’ Investor Week.
- Publications and Articles: Authored insightful articles on topics such as addressing competition in pitches and the intricacies of the startup-investor relationship.
Strategic Insights
Investment Approach:
- Initial Investment Strategy: Advocates for new angel investors to deploy capital thoughtfully by spreading investments across multiple startups to diversify risks.
- Focus Areas: Prioritizes sectors where she can add the most value, particularly B2B, Fintech, Martech, and HR Tech.
Advice to Founders:
- Effective Pitching: Urges clarity and specificity in pitch decks, advising against text-heavy slides and advocating for storytelling.
- Networking: Encourages founders to leverage their networks for warm introductions and align their pitches with the investor’s interests and values.
Scaling Impact:
- Syndication through Aussie Angels: Facilitates smaller cheque sizes for investments, making angel investing more accessible and increasing capital availability for startups.
- Educational Impact: Uses platforms like LinkedIn and industry events to educate potential investors and founders on effective strategies and best practices.
Cheryl Mack’s profile exemplifies a blend of visionary leadership and pragmatic investment approach within the startup ecosystem. Her initiatives with Aussie Angels and her strategic advisory roles highlight her commitment to fostering growth and democratizing access to angel investing.
