Charlotte Angel Connection Episode 094: Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN) Managing Director, Brett Danforth and Ghazale Johnston WIN Member

Today we have Brett Danforth, Managing Director of the Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN), and Ghazale Johnston, WIN member/investor, joining us to discuss angel investing. “The Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN) brings together the NC State entrepreneurial community, NC State alumni network, and innovative private companies to empower the businesses that drive our future.” It is operated as a subscription service with direct ties to the University.  The annual membership is $1,500 with no requirement to invest (think of it as a fee to see deal flow with the potential to invest in each company).  As of our interview in September 2019, they have 150 members and 115 members have made at least one investment through the network.  WIN currently has nineteen companies in the portfolio - 15 of those include NCSU graduates in Management and four involved in licensing in technology. Brett Danforth is the Managing Director at Wolfpack Investor Network.  Brett is a graduate of NC State.  Prior to WIN, he worked in financial services/investment banking. Ghazale Johnston also attended NC State and was a Managing Director with Accenture for 20 years. She now serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Daymaker. During the podcast Brett discusses the business model of WIN.  He explains their process of communication to potential investors, and the diligence process.  He also shares how they work with other networks in the triangle area (Duke, Carolina Angel Networks) and explains how people with ties to NC State can become involved with WIN as an investor. Ghazale discusses how she became involved with WIN.  She also shares her experience as a member how she reviews the companies presented by WIN to decide whether or not to invest.  Additionally, we talk through the benefits she finds to being an active member of WIN. Listen to the podcast, the benefits of being a member, and learn how to become a member and the benefits of being a member.  Enjoy!   William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.  Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.  Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results.