Investor Training through the Golden Seeds Knowledge Institute

Build your expertise with courses designed by experienced angel investors.

Invest with Knowledge and Confidence 

The Golden Seeds Knowledge Institute was established to ensure that angel investors have the knowledge to optimize their experience in investing in early-stage companies.

The Knowledge Institute has been widely recognized as an outstanding way to learn about angel investing from experienced investors alongside other participants. In fact, we have been invited to teach these courses in many countries throughout the world. Learn more about our courses and register below.

Learning Experience

The nine courses of the Knowledge Institute, which range from the basics of angel investing to industry-specific training, are comprised of a combination of interactive discussions and case studies in a learning environment that is open, collaborative, and supportive. At this time, all sessions are offered only with remote participation.

Our current offerings, outlined below, are available to Golden Seeds members and others who are interested in early-stage investing. Non-members who register for a course may apply their registration payment to the initiation fee if they join Golden Seeds within three months.

Essential training for every new investor

Core Courses

The Knowledge Institute has four core courses which appear here. These courses may be taken in any order, but it is strongly recommended that participants start with “Introduction to Angel Investing”.

Register for all upcoming courses here

Introduction to Angel Investing

Topics covered in this session include:

  • What is Golden Seeds?
  • Risks and Rewards of Angel Investing
  • The Investment Process

The Due Diligence Process

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Introduction to Due Diligence
  • Key Areas: Deal Teams, Diligence Playbook, and Deal Memos
  • Conducting an Effective and Efficient Process

Cap Tables & Term Sheets

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Cap Tables – Navigating the Maze
  • Term Sheet Provisions and their Impact on Investment Returns

Boards & Governance

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Fundamentals of a Start-Up Board
  • Board Mechanics and Decision Making
  • Key Topics and Potential Issues
  • Advisory Boards

Apply your skills to specialized markets

Sector Training

These five courses delve into the nuances of investing in our three primary sectors which require specialized expertise: Consumer (B2C), Health Care (HC), and Enterprise Services and Technology (B2B).

These courses, taught by members with deep expertise in these areas, provide an overview of key things to consider when evaluating startups within these sectors.

Register for all upcoming courses here
 

Consumer Products & Applications Sector Training

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Defining the Consumer Sector
  • Primary Characteristics and Forms of Distribution
  • Industry Dynamics and Risk Factors
  • Analyzing Financial Statements
  • Valuation Approach and Criteria for Investing
  • Summary of Key Considerations and Lessons Learned

Enterprise Services and Technology (B2B)

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Definition, Characteristics and Lifecycle of a B2B Business
  • Monetization Models
  • Evaluating a Potential B2B Investment
  • Financial Analysis
  • Key Milestones and Performance Indicators

Health Care Sector Training

We offer three health care sector trainings that focus on different sub-sectors of the industry: Devices & Diagnostics, Digital Health & Consumer Health, and Therapeutics
 

Devices & Diagnostics

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Overview of Medical Devices & Diagnostics
  • Risks and Rewards
  • Overview of FDA Approval Processes
  • What to Assess, Key Diligence Questions, and Current Trends


Digital Health & Consumer Health

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Latest Trends
  • Product and Service Types
  • Evolving Regulatory Context
  • Key Questions to Evaluate Investment Opportunities


Therapeutics

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Phases of Drug Development
  • FDA Market Exclusivity and Patents
  • Exits and "Biobucks"
  • Trends in BioPharma
  • Considerations for Early-Stage Investors

Register for an Upcoming Training Session

Boards & Governance Training

Knowledge Institute Course

Boards are vital to the success of early-stage companies. Learn the roles, responsibilities and processes in this course.

February 9
1-4pm EST
Virtual

Cap Tables and Term Sheets

Knowledge Institute Course

An overview of deal terms, the investment process and cap tables.

February 12
2-5pm EST
Virtual

Consumer Products & Applications Sector Training

Knowledge Institute Course

Consumer spending can be volatile. We can help you to engage with the consumer products sector wisely.

March 17
12-2pm EST
Virtual

Healthcare Sector Training - Devices & Diagnostics

Knowledge Institute Course

Healthcare solutions are more valuable than ever. This course can help you understand key factors for investing in this sector.

March 19
12-2pm EST
Virtual

Enterprise Services and Technology (B2B) Training

Knowledge Institute Course

Are B2B startups different from consumer startups? Yes. Learn our framework for evaluating investment opportunities in the Enterprise sector.

April 13
1-3pm EST
Virtual

Introduction to Angel Investing Training

Knowledge Institute Course

The future of investing is better with you in it. Join us to learn the work, the risks, and the rewards of angel investing.

May 18
12-2pm EST
Virtual

Healthcare Sector Training - Digital Health & Consumer Health

Knowledge Institute Course

Healthcare solutions are more valuable than ever. This course can help you understand key factors for investing in this sector.

June 4
1:30-3pm EST
Virtual

Introduction to Angel Investing Training

Knowledge Institute Course

The future of investing is better with you in it. Join us to learn the work, the risks, and the rewards of angel investing.

July 13
12-2pm EST
Virtual

Healthcare Sector Training - Therapeutics

Knowledge Institute Course

The $8.45 trillion healthcare market is one of the most heavily regulated, rapidly growing, and exciting. We can help you navigate it.

July 14
1-2:30pm EST
Virtual

For Golden Seeds members, information on our upcoming training sessions, as well as registration information, can be found here. For additional information regarding the Golden Seeds Knowledge Institute, please email info@goldenseeds.com