Today, we're happy to feature Francesco Simoneschi, Co-Founder and CEO at TrueLayer and angel with 60+ investments.

In this episode, Francesco dives deep into his experience going from VC to angel investing, the nuances of angel investing, shedding light on some counterintuitive lessons he's learned along the way. He delves into the importance of trusting your instincts when assessing early-stage startups and why sometimes, early traction can be a red flag.

Francesco also shares his strategies for making international investments and the value of building a network of trusted insiders in unfamiliar territories. Plus, he reflects on the soft skills and leadership qualities that he wishes he had focused on earlier in his career.

Jump to the parts that matter most to you and watch our core highlights below 👀
00:02:52 - On Starting TrueLayer in Italy
00:05:54 - Francesco’s 60+ angel portfolio & striking a balance as an operator
00:07:30 - The complementarity of angel investing and being an operator
00:08:44 - Angel Investing in the FinTech Ecosystem
00:09:12 - Balancing Excitement and Discipline in Investing
00:11:00 - Reflections on Investing in a Marihuana delivery startup
00:14:16 - Investing in The Development of Wetware Computers
00:15:45 - On The Drive of Entrepreneurs
00:17:12 - Accessing European Capital for Early Stage Opportunities
00:18:34 - Investing in Various Industries
00:20:01 - Diversifying Portfolio as a Tech Entrepreneur
00:22:54 - Balancing Risk and Fun in Angel Investing
00:24:10 - Assessing Founders and Key Ingredients
00:22:44 - The Importance of Financial Savvy and Diversified Portfolios
00:24:26 - Mitigating Financing Risk
00:26:16 - Investing Based on Value and Learning
00:28:16 - Investing in Early Stages and Venture Funds
00:30:08 - The Importance of Diversification
00:32:03 - Trusting Your Instincts in Angel Investing
00:34:00 - Capturing Signals in Investment Strategy
00:35:48 - The Reality of Bridge Rounds
00:37:39 - The Importance of Discipline in Angel Investing
00:39:17 - Playing the Long Game
00:41:11 - Importance of Soft Skills and Leadership in Education