Investor Connect - 613 - Nikita Demidov of the Houston Angel Network

In this episode, Hall welcomes Nikita Demidov, Venture Associate at the Houston Angel Network.The Houston Angel Network (HAN) is the oldest angel network in Texas and the most active angel network in the USA. HAN is also a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the innovation ecosystem in Houston, Texas by supporting founders and startups with financial resources and mentorship. HAN's members have invested more than $96M in more than 366 deals since its inception in 2001. The typical individual HAN member is an accredited investor seriously interested in providing capital and coaching to early-stage companies. HAN also has institutional members such as seed funds, accelerators, universities, and other networks within the innovation ecosystem.Nikita was born in Kaliningrad, Russia where he started his career as a financial advisor at Russia's largest bank and fintech company, SberBank. He moved to the United States before he turned twenty to pursue a BBA in Finance from Texas State University. During his time at Texas State, Nikita worked on a number of business ventures from the decarbonization of the dairy supply chain to blockchain for residential solar. After graduation, Nikita worked in corporate finance helping to develop commercial solar plants at travel stops and gas stations. He worked on a variety of alternative fuel projects such as hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and renewable diesel. Last year, Nikita joined the venture ecosystem in Houston to help startups access more funding opportunities. He leads a team of venture associates at HAN and drives the monthly deal cycle for the network. Fun Fact: Nikita also lived in Boston, Peru, and is currently finishing his MSF at the University of Houston. Nikita suggests some good opportunities for investors to pursue, shares some of the challenges startups and investors face, and discusses his investment thesis. You can visit the Houston Angel Network at www.houstonangelnetwork.org, via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-houston-angel-network/, and via Twitter at www.twitter.com/Houston_Angels. Nikita can be contacted via email at [email protected], and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-demidov/. Music courtesy of Bensound. Please subscribe, share, and leave a review.