Nelson Gray has been appointed the Expert adviser to the Medibtikar project to assist the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) in setting up a National Business Angel network for Jordan.The first visit to Amman took place in April 2009 with the following objectives:

• Raise awareness of the business community about the activity of business angels and the interest of being organized into networks;

• Raise awareness of the financial and private equity players about the role of the business angel and its position within the financing chain;

• Identify a number of key persons to be the leaders of a pilot business angel network in Jordan;
• Identify a support organization in Jordan to help the creation of this network;
• Set up a roadmap to the creation of a business angel network.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation on the key roll plaid by Business Angels in the funding of early stage companies at an Investors Gathering & Roundtable Discussion hosted by HRH Princess Sumaya.

Nelson Gray has been elected to the board of the Entrepreneurial Exchange for an unprecedented third time.
The Entrepreneurial Exchange is Scotland’s leading organisation for ambitious growth oriented entrepreneurs.  Through its comprehensive programme of events The Exchange helps inform, motivate, educate, inspire and support entrepreneurs to build their businesses bigger, faster.

Established in 1994 The Exchange now has some 450 members heading-up companies employing more than 270,000 people and with a collective turnover of over £20 billion.

The underlying philosophy of The Exchange is that entrepreneurs learn most from fellow entrepreneurs – those who have been there and done it. We live by our motto – ‘for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs’ – and at our events Exchange members hear the reality of running a high-growth business directly from fellow entrepreneurs.

Membership of The Exchange is open to entrepreneurs who are committed to growing a significant business and creating wealth and employment within Scotland.

See www.entrepreneurial-exchange.co.uk

Nelson Gray delivered the Key note address at the CONNECT Denmark General Assembly and Awards, in Copenhagen on April 2009.

The speech, under the title “Perspectives on Investments and Growth Opportunities”, highlighted the opportunities that are available to entrepreneurs in the present economic conditions and explained the best ways to approach potential investors in order to secure funding. Despite the impression given by the barrage of negative comment in the popular press the really are great opportunities for companies who have compelling propositions to sell to customers looking for solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiencies thought their organisations.

See Connect Denmark at www.connectdenmark.dk

The expected audience of over 400 will get to ask questions of some of the worlds most experienced. The other participants are Sig Mosley (Imlay Investments), James Geshwiler (CommonAngels), John May (New Vantage Group), Bill Payne (Vegas Valley Angels), and Luis Villalobos (Tech Coast Angels).
ACA’s 2009 Summit is the largest gathering of angel investing groups in North America. The event is designed for members of angel groups – both leaders and member investors – as a true peer exchange, with valuable information and thought-provoking discussion on best practices in the field.