NYC LION is a pilot project facilitated by Slow Money NYC. LION is an acronym for “Local Investing Opportunity Network.”
We all know the importance of “buy local.”
What about “invest local”?
NYC LION is a network of angel investors connecting with local business owners who need capital. It’s not a venture fund. Or a bank. Or an investment club. Or a financial institution of any kind.
LION links local angel investors with local businesses seeking funds. It’s a potent alternative to Wall Street, and a way for everyday folks to keep more of our money circulating close to home.
For businesses, NYC LION is an alternative to banks or other commercial lenders. Especially for new small business, loans and investment are hard to obtain. LION offers businesses an alternative to borrow money from those who are your neighbors, customers, and others interested in your success.
For investors, NYC LION is a way to see where your money is going – and who it is helping. It enables you to invest in what you know and can see, in the local businesses that make NYC unique.
Investors who would like to become members, please fill out an Investor Application. Check out our list of Current Members.
Entrepreneurs who would like to be considered for review by NYC LION, please fill out an Entrepreneur Application (Under construction, sorry!).
Read about LION’s first group investment: $250,000 placed with King of the Ghosts, LLC (holding company for Egg Restaurant, Goatfell Farm and soon-to-be-opened Parish Hall Restaurant) in February 2012.
Interested parties who would like to know more or provide volunteer support or services, please contact derek [at] slowmoneynyc.org. Thanks!
NYC LION arises from a desire to fulfill the following mission and vision:
- Organize a group of angel investors interested in funding local, sustainable food and farm enterprises.
- Provide entrepreneurs with a trustworthy group of nurturing investors adhering to transparent procedures for evaluating deals.
- Share due diligence efforts and/or costs amongst group of like-minded investors.
- Retain individual autonomy for each investor’s funding placement decision.
- Create opportunities to develop social, cultural and economic networks amongst NYC LION members and, possibly, additional, future funding channels.
- Benefit the prosperity and strength of NYC food shed, consumers and producers alike.
Special Note: This “About” text owes a debt of gratitude to the Madison-Dade LION group whose eloquence exceeds our own and from whose website we gleaned text paraphrased herein that perfectly expresses our organization.
