Key Differentiators

In our discussions with individuals who have asked what is special about the Keiretsu Forum, we have had the opportunity to pass along various key points that help differentiate the Keiretsu Forum and its philosophy from other angel investment networks throughout North America.  The following points summarize our uniqueness and provide insight into why accredited investors are enthusiastic about our approach:

• We are a global network of capital, resources and deal flow with over 50 chapters on 3 continents including: Northern California (East Bay, North Bay, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley), Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and Westlake Village), Pacific Northwest (Portland, Seattle, Kirkland/Eastside, and Vancouver BC, Canada), New York, Chicago, Cincinnati/Midwest, Rockies/Denver, Vail, Miami, Washington DC, Charleston, Pebble Beach, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.  Our international chapters are located in Beijing, Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Barcelona, Madrid, Prague, Andalucia, Bangalore, Chennai, San Sebastian, Nordics, Istanbul, Jakarta, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Mumbai, Toronto, Vaughan, Waterloo, London, and Paris.
• The screening and investment analysis of companies is done by the members on a collegial basis in which members have the opportunity to learn from each other.
• Keiretsu Forum members have invested over $250M in 400+ companies which has come through the Northwest Region. 
• Keiretsu Forum members invest in a myriad of opportunities. 40% of our investments are in technology companies, 30% in life science, 20% in real estate, and 10% in other opportunities. Our members are not dedicated to only high-tech early-stage companies.  Investments can be made in any industry sector where members have a background of knowledge and expertise.  We feel that allowing the members of local chapters to invest together in situations where they have knowledge allows them to build the collegial working group (committee) that can later branch out to other areas such as software, healthcare/life sciences, clean technologies, telecommunications, energy, food & beverage, consumer products, media & entertainment, etc. For instance, we have made investments as diverse as biotechnology, women’s handbags, and commercial real estate.  
• Members invest directly in the presenting companies which the members themselves select.  This creates an environment in which those who have invested are pleased they did, and those who did not are satisfied with the reasons they didn’t.  No member is pressured to invest, and no member misses a potential investment opportunity.
• Our growing network of chapters benefits both our members and entrepreneurs.  Members have the opportunity to see quality deal flow from other chapters, while entrepreneurs are able to present to multiple Keiretsu Forum chapters.  As our network grows, so too do the opportunities for entrepreneurs to raise sufficient early-stage capital using a familiar process in multiple locations around the world. 
• Our social events and committees help connect the Keiretsu Forum chapter to the local community.  This further builds an environment of trust within the local chapter in which members feel at ease to reach out for guidance on investment issues and provide their knowledge to others who ask their advice. 
• Networking among the members is a cornerstone of our approach—it is the basis for the “Great Association” portion of our tag line.  Fellowship is enhanced not only through the charitable activities but also through countless fun activities for and by the members, such as golf, tennis, hiking, and educational field trips, to name a few.
• Each chapter is limited to 150 members.  We want a group small enough that everyone can get to know each other and feel comfortable about reaching out to either help or receive help from others. The structure of our membership is 80% private equity (angel) angel investors, 5% VCs and corporate investors, 5% forum resource members, 5% partnering organizations and 5% sponsor companies. 
• We value the participation of our sponsors and Forum Resource Members.  Their opinions and guidance contribute to all aspects of chapter operations.
• The balanced structure of our membership provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present in front of accredited investors who have the capacity to invest in their offerings.  Therefore, we purposefully limit the number of sponsors and Forum Resource Members to ensure entrepreneurs have access to investors.
• Keiretsu Forum enjoys open exchange and collaboration with other angel forums and investment communities. We are open about what we do and embrace interactions with other angel networking groups.  This relationship benefits entrepreneurs seeking investments from multiple angel groups.