Keiretsu

The japanese word Keiretsu defines a set of companies with interlocking business relationships and shareholdings. It is a type of business group.

Keiretsu Forum is the world’s largest angel investor network with 750 accredited investor members throughout sixteen chapters on three continents. Since Keiretsu Forum’s founding in 2000, its members have invested over $180m in 200 companies in technology, consumer products, healthcare/life sciences, real estate and other segments with high growth potential. Forum members collaborate in the due diligence, but make individual investment decisions, with rounds in the range of $250k-$2m.

Its Barcelona chapter just opened some months ago. I’ve been following it since then, because it represents a very interesting alternative for raising money for very early stage start-ups looking for a small quantity of money. I’ve participated in all their meetings so far, and I must say I am deeply impressed by their professionality. Interesting companies, interesting opportunities.

Well, two months ago, while advising a very promising team of entrepreneurs willing to bring a new medical device to the marketplace, I suggested them we should present their company to Keiretsu. And we did.

Everything went OK, and after the general presentation, and some “face to face” meetings with investors, last week I received confirmation from the entrepreneurs they finally raised €500.000 with a very competitive pre-money valuation and a very interesting deal structure.

So, yes, the Barcelona Keiretsu forum is here to stay! Congratulations Keiretsu Barcelona for your second “completed” investment, and congratulations Health Solutions for a well managed fund-raising opportunity.