The Connect2Scale Angel Academy, offered through the EU-funded initiative, with an ambitious capacity-building programme designed to equip both budding and experienced business angels with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in startup investing.
DEEP DIVE: Insights from Jan Lätt, a guest speaker at the Academy
Jan Lätt is an experienced Estonian investor, a board member at EstBAN (Estonian Business Angel Network). His startup portfolio exceeds 10 investments.
Angel investing will always carry risk, but with the right approach, it also opens the door to transformative opportunities—for both investors and the startups they back. As Jan Lätt highlights, success in this field comes not only from choosing the right ventures but also from collaborating, learning, and sharing the journey with other investors.
For Lätt, angel investing was a natural next step in his investment journey. After building experience in other asset classes, he turned to startups as a way to diversify his portfolio while seeking the potentially higher returns unique to early-stage ventures. But while the rewards can be significant, he is clear that the risks are equally real—and must be managed wisely.
What Matters Most: The Team
When asked about his decision-making process, Lätt was clear: it all starts with the team.
“A great founding team with the right capacity, cohesion, and adaptability is the strongest predictor of a startup’s success.”
Beyond the team, he also weighs:
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Market potential—is the opportunity big enough to scale?
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Revenue traction—has the business already validated its product with paying customers?
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Valuation fairness—does the startup’s valuation make sense given the problem they are solving?
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Real-world impact—is the company addressing a significant, tangible challenge?
By focusing on these factors, Lätt ensures he balances both ambition and realism in his investment decisions.
Why new angels should start with Syndicates
Angel investing can feel daunting for newcomers. Lätt’s advice? Don’t go it alone.
“Start with syndicates—you’ll learn faster and share the risk.”
Investing in syndicates allows first-time angels to:
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Learn from experienced peers, observing how others evaluate deals.
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Spread risk by pooling resources into group investments rather than going solo.
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Gain access to structured support, such as due diligence processes and shared insights.
EstBAN makes this easier by organizing at least two syndicates per year, giving investors a practical entry point into the world of startup funding.
Key Takeways for angels
Lätt’s perspective underscores several key lessons for anyone considering or deepening their angel journey:
- Diversify wisely—startups can complement other investments but require a different mindset.
- Back strong teams—look for founders who are driven, cohesive, and adaptable.
- Learn together—joining syndicates is the fastest, safest way to grow as an investor
Read the full interview HERE.
MATURE ANGELS ACADEMY, 2025 cohort starts this September
The Angel Academy, through Connect2Scale, offers a robust framework for angel investors across Europe—both new and seasoned—to elevate their impact. The structured learning paths, combined with strategic advice like Jan Lätt’s “start with syndicates” mantra, make it a compelling engine for building resilient, informed investor communities.
With the Mature Angels Academy launching this September, experienced angels now have a rare opportunity to push their knowledge beyond entry-level investing—toward mastering exits, collaborating with VCs, and driving portfolio companies to long-term success.
Connect2Scale initiative has already:
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Trained over 200 investors,
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Facilitated over 980 startup showcases,
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Launched digital Investment Lighthouses in 8 countries,
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Held 5 cross-border pitching expeditions and ecosystem roundtables.
The Angel Academy, both in its introductory and advanced formats, plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem, reinforcing investor capacity and fostering cross-border angel collaboration.
Rewatch previous training sessions from our Connect2Scale resource center.