From Experience to Confidence: How One Woman Found Her Power in Angel Investing with AwakenAngels
Join a growing movement of women investing in women, starting with fully funded training this September.
Applications Now Open: Ready to learn, connect, and invest with impact? Join us this September for our free, expert-led Angel Investing Training, designed by women, for women. Learn more at our 30 minute info session: https://lu.ma/j5lx56xs
When Nancy Holland first heard about Awaken Angels, she was already an experienced angel investor, but something about this women-led community felt different. Drawn in by the inclusive approach and hands-on support, she attended an Awaken Angels pitch event and later joined their SheVentures summit. What she found wasn’t just another investment group, it was a game-changing space that demystified investing, built her confidence, and gave her the tools to take on due diligence like a pro. Now, as applications open for the next round of Awaken Angels' CPD-accredited, fully funded Angel Investing Training, you too can begin your journey, no prior experience needed.
“I’ve been involved in angel investing since 2017,” says Nancy Holland. “I’m a member of MedTech in Galway and also part of West by Northwest. But when I came across Awaken Angels, something about it really caught my attention, it was all about women. That really stood out to me.”
Nancy also attended an in-person pitch event hosted by AwakenAngels in Galway. Curious to stay involved, Nancy decided to spend a weekend attending AwakenHub and Awaken Angels’ SheVentures summit. That weekend opened a new door. “There was a follow-up email inviting us to join a due diligence session,” she recalls. “And that’s something I had really wanted to learn more about. I’d been asked a few times to take part in due diligence with MedTech, but I just didn’t feel confident enough to step into that role.”
That changed after participating in the Awaken Angels Deal Leader Training.
“Today has been brilliant, really informative,” Nancy says. “What stood out was how accessible everything was. We had solicitors there, and we could actually ask them questions. There were a lot of terms being used in the investing world that I hadn’t fully grasped before. But after today, everything made so much more sense. I was finally able to ask, ‘What exactly does this mean?’, terms like investing preferences and anti-dilution. It was incredibly educational.”
Nancy emphasises how valuable the environment has been, especially for someone like her who comes from a business background and is growing in confidence in angel investing. “Awaken Angels is fabulous. It’s all women-led, and there’s a huge educational element to it. There’s also an amazing support network; you are not on your own.”
She contrasts this experience with her involvement in other investment groups. “With Awaken Angels, if there’s something you don’t know, you can just pick up the phone and call Denise. She’ll either give you the answer or find someone who can. That doesn’t really happen in the other groups I’m in. They’re mostly male-dominated, and it’s just not as easy to reach out.”
“The whole approach with Awaken Angels is totally different. It’s more inclusive, more supportive, definitely easier,” she adds. “And because it’s female oriented, I think that’s a huge advantage.”
Looking ahead, Nancy reflects on the bigger picture: “For the future of the country, we need young founders to come forward and bring out these new companies. That’s what it’s all about. Who knows if pharma will even still be here in ten years? So, it’s vital we push forward on this side of things.”
Begin Your Journey as an Angel Investor: Applications Now Open
We are now inviting expressions of interest for the September 2025 Angel Investing Training, a CPD-accredited and fully funded programme for women who are ready to explore the world of angel investing with expert support and a strong peer network.
This programme is specifically designed for professionals who may not yet have invested but bring strong commercial or leadership experience. It offers a practical and comprehensive introduction to angel investing and is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Key benefits include:
No prior investment experience required
Led by industry experts and experienced women investors
Delivered in a professional, peer-focused setting
Fully funded and CPD-accredited
Opportunities to build your network and connect with founders
Join us for our next Information Session ahead of our 6th cohort kicking off on September 23rd!
Info session: July 25th 1pm
Location: Online https://lu.ma/j5lx56xs
If you are ready to explore how your experience, capital, and curiosity can make an impact, we encourage you to register your interest today. Register your interest here
