Whether they like to admit it or not, angel groups and angel investors are pining for dealflow. It's the life blood of angel investing and, no matter how jaded they may become by unsuccessful investments (check out Paul Kedroski's blog on the topic), dealflow is what they want.
I'm always disappointed to see that so many angels and angel groups -- especially those in areas where there is traditionally less dealflow -- aren't taking advantage of their local university to find new deals.
Here in Utah, a successful angel group that has seen quite a few excellent exits -- including Omniture's recent IPO -- have made a living by picking off the best deals that come out of Brigham Young University.
We had the winners of the Florida International University business plan competition present at a FundingUniverse.com Speedpitching Luncheon last month. One of the students, who would have never gotten an audience with angels if we hadn't served him up to them, is close to closing a deal now. I'm sure there are many more like him who are slipping through the cracks.
Entrepreneur Magazine recently compiled a list of the top 100 entrepreneurial colleges. If you're an independent angel investor and you live anywhere near these top schools, buy a tent and start camping out in the business school.
Here are a few universities that have top entrepreneurial programs, but do not have angel groups:
Bradley University -- Peoria, Illinois
Eastern Michigan University -- Ypsilanti, Michigan
Purdue University -- Lafayette, Illinois
Check out the Entrepreneurs Mag article for more schools, or check out your local b-school. A goldmine could be graduating right beneath your nose.
