Entrepreneur FAQ's

Entrepreneur FAQ

What is the Caribbean Investment Network?
The Caribbean Investment Network is an online platform designed to connect entrepreneurs (looking for growth or start-up capital) and angel investors (looking for investment opportunities). The Caribbean Investment Network is unique in that it offers a local, national and global platform with partner networks across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. The Caribbean Investment Network is continually growing, developing and updating its extensive database of angel investors.

What is an Angel Investor?
Originally, the term "angel" was coined to refer to the people who financed Broadway plays when all else failed. Today this term has become common among the investment community to refer to a high net-worth individual that invests their own personal funds in various businesses. In the Caribbean, it is estimated that there are well over 200,000 potential angel investors that annually invest approximately 3 billion in Caribbean businesses and currently own over 12 billion in existing equity. This represents roughly 7% of what the banks are investing. As well, statistics show that this figure trumps that of venture capital lending. The Caribbean labour market and productivity centre estimates that angel investments have financed approximately twice as many firms as any other form of external equity investment, including institutional venture capital.

Who is a typical Angel Investor?
Angel investors are often retired entrepreneurs or executives, who may be interested in angel investing for reasons that go beyond pure monetary return. These include wanting to keep abreast of current developments in a particular business arena, mentoring another generation of entrepreneurs, and making use of their experience and networks on a less-than-full-time basis. Thus, in addition to funds, angel investors can often provide valuable management advice and important contacts.

What is the difference between an Angel Investor and a Venture Capital firm?
Angels make their own decisions as opposed to a board or group of people making a decision for investors that have pooled money together. Angels tend to be more involved in the businesses that they invest in and provide assistance in ways that venture capital firms do not. Angels typically do not own as large a stake in the company as a venture capital firm would. Another benefit of being an angel investor is the reception of certain tax incentives from controlled small businesses.

How much does it cost?
More information can be found on Our Rates Page.

Why isn’t it free of charge?
Many people have asked us why we charge entrepreneurs for the service. Firstly we are running a commercial enterprise and don’t get any public funding, so we need to cover our admin and promotion costs, pay staff to check your submission and pay for the upkeep of the website. Secondly we are providing a valuable service to the entrepreneurs who need the much needed to support to get their ideas in front of investors. To set up a serious business with outside funding you do need to be prepared to spend some money. The fee is very low compared to other companies in the industry who will often charge around 5% of the amount you wish to borrow.

Do I have to pay for every contact?
No, the Standard, Express, Express Plus and Global Express Plus packages all give you to access to the contact details of ALL the investors who wish to contact you. Your proposal remains active for 90 days and all investor contacts are included in this period. You do not need to pay for each contact.

Why don’t you take a success fee instead?
If you think of the Caribbean Investment Network as the funding equivalent of an online dating agency it makes more sense. You wouldn’t expect a dating agency to only get paid if and when you marry the partner you found on their site. They wouldn’t be able to find you or know you were getting married without employing a private detective! Likewise we can’t hope to individually track everyone who enters their idea over the internet. Often all we have is an email address for you. Plus we have no control over how good your idea is and therefore your likelihood of finding an Angel. There may be a few Angel groups who don’t charge upfront, but they heavily screen incoming ideas and reject about 90% of them, which means most people are left without a chance of connecting with Angels.

How do I know if my proposal has been received?
You will know that your proposal has been received if it appears in the list of "Active Proposals" in your member's area. If there are no proposals in your member's area then you will need to resubmit your proposal. Always write your proposal in another programme and cut and paste to avoid the page timing out.

Why isn’t my proposal appearing in the list of recent proposals?
If you have just submitted your proposal, it is probably because we haven’t approved it yet. We have to read and activate each proposal before it is released to the investors. Alternatively it may be because you have just edited your proposal, which means that it is removed from the system until we can reapprove it.

Does my company have to be established?
No, we accept projects at every stage of development – from ideas to start-up companies to mature businesses. Even if your project is still an idea, it could still be of interest to the investors. They might even have the relevant knowhow and expertise to get the ball rolling.

Is there a maximum/minimum investment?
No, our investors are interested in projects ranging from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Are the contact requests automated?
No, all the contact requests you receive are from investors who have read your investment proposal and decided they want to discuss your project in more detail.

Who are the investors on this website?
The investors on our website have been compiled from databases of angel investors, company directors and private investment groups. They also include individual investors who have registered in the hope of finding investment opportunities. Our database is continually expanding with new investors looking to invest in companies like yours.

How much information should I include in my proposal?
If you are worried about confidentiality we would advise you not to give away too many details in your proposal. Try and write enough to get the investors interested in your project without revealing the key ideas. In the "Useful Documents" page of our "Get Investor Ready" section, you will find a free NDA document, which you can get all the potential investors to sign before presenting your idea in full.

How is my privacy protected?
The site was developed using proprietary database management tools and a secure server is used to assure that no one sees your business or personal information. Your information is not offered to any third party for any purposes and is guaranteed to be kept confidential and private.

Why should I use this service?
As an entrepreneur, you are already aware of the growing resistance of banks to finance small business. It is virtually impossible to obtain financing without having secured assets, providing personal guarantees, etc, etc. Angel investors are the logical source to provide financing to small business. With the funds invested growing all the time, the main obstacle is locating and presenting your idea to this large group of investors. The Caribbean Investment Network allows an entrepreneur to:
a) Find a source of capital.
b) Find an experienced investor that can provide guidance and support.
c) Make it all come together in a fast and efficient way.

How will I attract the attention of potential investors?
When dealing with an angel investor, at the very least your proposal should address the following:
- How much money do you need?
- Why do you need it?
- When do you need it?
- What are you willing to give up to get it?
- When and how can you pay it back?
Investors need your answers to these questions before they will even consider helping you. They are not looking for "pipe dreams" or unprofessional sounding proposals. They expect a reasonably sound business plan as well as an understanding from entrepreneurs that an investor is not going to just blindly hand over significant sums of money with no strings attached whatsoever. They may be angels but there are limits to what they are prepared to do.

How can I pay if I don't have a credit card?
If you are unable to or feel uncomfortable using a credit card, you can pay by PayPal, MoneyBookers or bank transfer.

Why am I being asked to pay again?
You have to pay the Standard, Express, Express Plus or Global Express Plus Fee for every proposal you submit.

Due Diligence
Please be aware that after the initial match has been made it is the entrepreneur’s responsibility to carry out diligence on the investor. Please inform us of any suspicious behaviour.

I have other questions. Who do I contact?
Contact us by email: admin@caribbeaninvestmentnetwork.com

Cameroon > Long Island

$10,000 to $20,000

January 5, 2012

1991-1994: BA in Public Law, University of Yaounde II Soa, Cameroon. 1995-1997: MA in public Administration, University of Yaounde II Soa, Cameroon. 1996-2001: Cameroon Development Corporation/Del Monte Fresh Produce International. 2002: Consulting Purchasing & Logistics Superintendent - Orange Cameroun. 2002: Consulting Programme Assistant for West and Central Africa International Network for the Improvement of Banana & Plantain (INIBAP). 2004-2009: Managing Director – Nine-ners’ International Travel and Tourism Agency. 2009 -: Procurement Assistant – United Nations Organisation in Chad. I am looking for business opportunities in the Caribbean.

United States > Oakley

$500 to $50,000

December 29, 2011

Current • Biz Dev/Sales at Creative Merchandise. • Founder/Lead Advisor at Media & Press.com, LLC. • Format Consultant at Slacker. Past • Affiliate Sales Manager – Western Region at Impact Radio Networks. • Business Development/Sr. Broadcast & Content Manager at Mountain News. • On Air at Coast Radio. • Marketing Specialist/Production at Bay Bridge Comm/1190AM LLC. • Operations Manager/Dir. Broadcast Programming at KMOJ Minneapolis. • Consultant at WFLM Radio/Midway Broadcasting. High-caliber leadership experience in operations, revenue generation, client retention and business development in stable, start-up, and turnaround business. Proficient in all aspects of the business experience, including brand positioning and executive relationship building.

Netherlands Antilles > Sint Maarten

$40,000 to $500,000

December 19, 2011

I live in Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean Island. I am an Architect working in Sint Maarten for the past ten years . I presently have my own company rendering services in Architecture , Construction consultancy

Trinidad and Tobago > Arima

$10,000 to $20,000

December 19, 2011

I am looking for small to medium sized business with innovative ideas and business propositions with a need for initial capital or upgrade funds that has a proven success rate within their current business model.

Trinidad and Tobago > Diego Martin

$300 to $500

November 14, 2011

I am a modest but assertive professional in the field of quantity surveying. I am gainfully employed and look forward to supporting investments with a proven track record and high returns. I would be very interested in seeing a detailed strategy for generating income. Proposals should have a direct income earning potential. I look forward to a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Canada > Montreal

$25,000 to $250,000

November 7, 2011

I am a parson looking for some interesting investments on different areas but mainly on the tourism industry. Together with my family we have a large TI company in South America. I live in Montreal, Canada with my wife and work in the tourism industry where I have my tour company. My education is more oriented on the environmental and tourism filed, however I've taken various courses in the business field. My involvement would be for the most part silent, although for some projects I could give some inputs.

Puerto Rico > Mayagüez

$3,000 to $6,000

November 1, 2011

I live in Puerto Rico. I worked as a beauty advisor for Elizabeth Arden. I have Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice. I’m an esthetician and run my own company. I also write a beauty column for the el Faro newspaper in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.

Bahamas > New Providence

$80,000 to $100,000

October 29, 2011

I am an investor searching for a small project near to The Bahamas.

United States > San Juan

$1,000 to $50,000

September 28, 2011

Current: OpEx Manager, BB Office at Cardinal Health. Past: • Lean Manager at Johnson & Johnson. • Pall Life Sciences: Plant Wide Lean Manufacturing/Continuous. • Improvement Coordinator at Pall Life Sciences. Education • Stanford University • Universidad del Sagrado Corazon • UPR In Mayaguez I have over 11 years of experience working with Business Improvement Technologies like Lean & Six Sigma, with more than 7 years in management and supervisory positions. Lately in my involvement with JNJ, I have honed my skill to ensure that Operations Excellence delivers real business results thus transforming OPEx from a nice-to-have to a mission-critical to the operations.

Lebanon > tye

$0 to $250,000

September 16, 2011

I am currently the owner of a nightclub and restaurant. I am very interested in getting involved in another business.

Trinidad and Tobago > Tunapuna/Piarco

$25,000 to $250,000

September 15, 2011

I am ACCA designation and a MBA Finance. I am looking to invest up to $25,000 in a start-up. I will be a silent investor.

Canada > Vancouver

$5,000 to $100,000

September 10, 2011

I am 47, married with 2 children and living in Vancouver, Canada. Currently, working as a senior VP of Health, Safety and Environment for a medium sized mining with various mines located throughout the world. I have been educated up Master's level at university and have worked in various industries from housing, heavy construction, mining and oil and gas. This would be my first investment and I would expect minimal input from my side.

Bahamas > New Providence

$100 to $1,000,000

September 7, 2011

Looking to have a long-term investment horizon and focus on value creation. We invest in undervalued companies and their people, and help them to realize their potential. We partner with our portfolio companies to help them become industry leaders. We believe competition makes the global economy more productive and more efficient, which enables companies to succeed long-term in the globally competitive marketplace. We encourage our companies to focus on the future through prudent capital investment, R&D, new product marketing, talent development, improved operations and appropriate strategic acquisition. Demand is driven by consumer income and wealth and demographics. The profitability of individual firms depends largely on effective marketing. Large companies have some advantages in providing expertise in a wider range of investment options, and they may be able to charge lower fees. Small companies can compete successfully by providing better service and advice.

United States > bronx

$5,000 to $25,000

August 27, 2011

I'm an individual investor, who's a registered nurse located in New York. I'm looking to invest in a profitable project that is worth while.

British Virgin Islands > Road Town

$5,000 to $20,000

August 27, 2011

I'm 29 years old; single; live in British Virgin Islands. I am currently employed at one of the leading hotels in the British Virgin Islands, as an Accounting Clerk and Events Coordinator. Previously, I've worked at the BVI Olympic Office as Office Administrator. I'm a high school graduate with 8 CXC subjects; a college graduate with Associate Degree in Computer Science; and currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Management Studies at the University of West Indies. This is my first time exploring investments. As a beginner, I would be an individual investor.

United States > Port of Spain

$100,000 to $150,000

August 16, 2011

• Undergrad degree in Finance. • Independent investment advisor in the US with clients looking to invest portions of their portfolios directly in infrastructure/trade of emerging markets. • Experience in Investments/Banking/Financial Services. • Advisory level of involvement. • Based in Miami.

Turks and Caicos Islands > Providenciales

$500,000 to $5,000,000,000

August 3, 2011

I am a real estate investor from the Turks and Caicos islands. I am also CEO of Richmond Development Group Ltd, which I have been operating for over nine years.

United States > Whitehall

$20,000 to $40,000

July 17, 2011

Database Administrator. Education: B.S. Computer Science. Self educated investor always looking for a invaluable opportunity. Anticipated involvement: Advisory, sometimes hands-on.

United States > Rockford

$0 to $5,000

June 3, 2011

Looking to make yearly investments of $5,000-$10,000 for a monthly profit.

Switzerland > Harbour Island

$10,000,000 to $1,000,000,000

June 1, 2011

We have been in the energy business for the last 30 years mostl oil and gas. The last couple of years heavily involved in alternative energy. We have a profound experience in real estate and its development (projects from 10 Million up to 5B). We have also been involved in aviation (start-ups, expansion). We have a vast network and are experienced. We are principals and not brokers, will not invest in public companies (unless they will delist) as we focus on the products and the long-term growth and the true value of the company. A project needs to be clear, transparent and has to be done with heart. We are hands-on but not babysitters and demand loyalty and integrity. We are prepared to entertain investments even for governments and government projects. Requests for funding or cooperation with a clear name address and phone number and clear information. Business plans without transparency and detail will be ignored. Failing to reply or to detail will result in blacklisting