One of my favorite parts of being the Community Manager at COREangels is watching how our network of funds transforms not just startups, but also the lives of angel investors and fund leaders. When we talk about “community,” we’re talking about something truly special—a dynamic, collaborative force that amplifies everyone’s impact.
Take COREangels Lisbon , for example, a fund that feels more like a family than a business. It’s a shining example of how building a strong community around your fund can turn investments into a movement.
I want to share a moment that beautifully captures the spirit of COREangels Lisbon.
Pedro Coutinho, one of the fund’s most dedicated investors and the winner of our Portfolio Builder Award, recently reached out to me. He wasn’t asking for anything for himself—he wanted to know about special perks COREangels offers for one of the startups he’s the archangel of. His enthusiasm for helping that startup grow was inspiring. It reminded me that being an angel isn’t just about writing checks—it’s about being there, truly invested in every sense of the word.
Then there’s Alex Griekspoor, a Dutch investor living in Lisbon who is passionate about sustainability and fighting climate change. Alex is not only part of COREangels Lisbon but also actively invests in our COREangels Climate fund. His ability to connect his personal values with investments is exactly what makes our community so extraordinary.
Investors like Alex and Pedro bring heart and humanity to the business of angel investing.
COREangels is a Model Rooted in Community
The magic of COREangels is in our model, which is rooted in the idea that community is the catalyst for impact. Each fund leader, like Rui Falcao of COREangels Lisbon, builds a local hub of passionate angels while tapping into the global COREangels community for shared resources, knowledge, and opportunities. This combination of local focus and global connection creates something truly powerful.
At COREangels Lisbon, Rui has created a friendly, professional and supportive environment where angels don’t just co-invest—they co-create. They share insights, provide mentorship to startups, and collaborate on innovative solutions. It’s a model that ensures everyone, from startups to angels, thrives together.
Watch Isabel Faria's experience of joining this professional and yet supportive group!
After two years with COREangels Lisbon, Isabel has won the The Smartest Money Award for providing the most strategic value beyond capital, her honest, clear feedback while leading the fund’s Involvement Board, ensuring that every startup is well-supported, living up to what it means to be an archangel in the COREangels community.
Learning to Build Your Own Community
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to figure out how to build this kind of community on your own. The Angel Fund Management Course is designed to teach future fund leaders how to replicate this success. It’s not just about managing a fund; it’s about learning the art of community building.
In the course, you’ll learn:
- How to Unite Investors- Create a mission-driven group of angels who are as committed to each other as they are to the startups they support.
- How to Build Connections- Learn to foster trust and collaboration among your investors and the startups in your portfolio.
- How to Balance Local and Global- Operate independently while leveraging the strength of COREangels’ global network for added impact.
- How to Think Long-Term- Build a fund that isn’t just profitable but also sustainable and impactful for years to come.
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Why Community Matters
It’s moments like Pedro’s call and Alex’s passion that remind me why community is at the heart of what we do at COREangels. These aren’t isolated stories—they’re part of a larger narrative about what’s possible when you bring together people who care deeply about making a difference.
If you’re ready to lead your own fund and build a community of angels that creates real impact, the Angel Fund Management Course is your next step. Let’s take your vision and turn it into something extraordinary.