Business Angels Academy
Learn how to invest in high-growth companies
Professional investment in startups requires much more than simply identifying good opportunities. A professional business angel must master the investment process specific to startups, distinguish between investable projects and those that are merely viable, negotiate with entrepreneurs and other investors, add value as a board member, and focus their involvement on a future exit.
Unlike amateur investors, professionals have in-depth knowledge of the market, define their own investment strategy, and make decisions based on their professional and personal experience. Furthermore, investing in startups is no longer the exclusive domain of business angels. Investment skills are increasingly necessary for executives leading open innovation units in large and medium-sized companies, venture capital fund managers, and other ecosystem players involved in the growth and financing of startups.
Dates
19 May IESE Barcelona Campus
16 June IESE Madrid Campus
Format
On-site
Fees
General fee: €2,900
Alumni fee: €2,610
Location
IESE Madrid and Barcelona Campuses
Who should attend?
The Business Angels Academy is an IESE training program with its own methodology for learning how to invest in high-growth companies. The Business Angels Academy is designed for professionals who want to invest in startups and deepen their understanding of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Typical participants include:
- Business owners
- Executives of small and medium-sized companies
- Executives of multinational corporations
- Private investor groups and associations
- Managers and owners of Family Offices
- Open innovation units at large and medium-sized companies
- Professionals from Venture capital funds
- Stakeholders in the ecosystem who support startups
Unlike amateurs, professional investors understand the market, define their own investment strategy, and build on their professional and personal experience.
Why join the Business Angels Academy?
Professional investment in startups takes place in a dynamic and highly competitive environment and requires skills that go far beyond simply identifying good opportunities. Investors and professionals in the ecosystem face challenges such as:
- How can an investment strategy be defined that aligns with the investor’s objectives, resources and experience?
- How can startups with high growth potential be identified, and how can one distinguish between investable projects and those that are merely viable?
- How can one analyze opportunities and effectively manage the startup investment process?
- What criteria and methodologies should be applied to evaluate a startup at its various stages of development?
- How can one negotiate with entrepreneurs and other investors to structure balanced and sustainable deals?
- What role does the shareholders’ agreement play in protecting the investment and in the company’s governance?
- How can the Board contribute to the growth and professionalization of a startup?
- What are the main exit strategies, and how can returns be maximized?
The program addresses these issues through a highly practical learning experience, combining conceptual frameworks, real-world case studies and the expertise of investors and entrepreneurs. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the startup investment process, from defining strategy and analyzing opportunities to managing investments and exiting. In addition, the program fosters the exchange of experiences among professionals from different fields, such as business angels, venture capital funds, corporations with open innovation initiatives, and other players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
IESE's Distinctive Approach
Academic Rigor
Through professors who not only teach financial theory but also connect it to the real world of business by drawing on real-life case studies based on their experiences as financial advisors.
Shared Learning Through Families’ Practical Experience
The program is designed to encourage participating families to exchange real experiences, compare approaches, and gain insights by learning from one another’s challenges and successes.
Access to an Exclusive Network
Join IESE’s exclusive community of Business Angels and Family Offices, with continued access to valuable connections and networking opportunities after completing the program.
Flexible Format and Dual-Campus Experience
Sessions are held across both Barcelona and Madrid, providing participants with the opportunity to engage with the local ecosystem, including families, guest speakers and faculty members.
Program details
The Academy is led by IESE faculty members with extensive investment experience in startups and high-growth companies. Its methodology is highly practical and is complemented by lectures and guest speakers who are well-known figures in the ecosystem.
A Dual-Campus Experience: Madrid and Barcelona
The program is delivered over two intensive training days, taking place across IESE’s Madrid and Barcelona campuses.
Why a Dual-Campus Experience?
By bringing together two of Spain’s leading business and investment hubs, the program offers participants the opportunity to:
- Connect with two of the country’s most dynamic entrepreneurial and investment ecosystems.
- Expand their network through interaction with geographically diverse participants.
- Gain first-hand exposure to speakers, investors, and influential leaders from both Madrid and Barcelona.
- Develop a broader perspective on the opportunities and challenges that are transforming the startup investment landscape.
This unique format enriches the learning experience while fostering valuable connections across regions and generations.
The registration process consists of two straightforward steps:
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Once your application has been submitted, payment of the program fee is required. IESE reserves the right to refund the full program fee to applicants who do not meet the admission requirements or eligibility criteria.
Fees
- General fee: €2,900
- Alumni fee: €2,610
(VAT exempt as educational tuition)
The fee includes all course materials and lunches throughout the program. Participants are required to prepare the pre-reading materials, which will be provided one week before the start of the program.
In addition, participants may voluntarily take part, for one year following completion of the program, in the investment forums of the IESE Business Angels and Family Office Network.
In addition to the Business Angels Academy, IESE has been training families and family wealth managers for more than 15 years through the Family Office Academy, a program designed to address the challenges faced by wealthy families who are establishing or managing a family office. We offer the option to enroll in both academies simultaneously; registering for both programs during the same period provides access to preferential rates and exclusive discounts, maximizing the value of the educational experience.
Payment must be made before the program begins and includes all academic materials and meals. Travel and accommodation expenses are not included. We also recommend reviewing the cancellation policy detailed below.
Once admitted, participants will receive a welcome email with further instructions and additional information about the program.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received within 20 days of the program start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellation requests received within three calendar days of the program start date, as well as cancellations made after the program has begun, are subject to payment of the full program fee.
IESE is not responsible for any travel expenses incurred or for managing travel reservations.
Academic team.
Academic team.
Sponsors.
If you’d like more information about our Business Angels Program, please contact us.
Contact us