About this Event
Presentation Overview: Join the Florida Atlantic Entrepreneurship Institute for an engaging Entrepreneurs’ XChange featuring Christian Schweizer, Co-Founder and President of HBS Alumni Angels of South Florida and Ionela Costachi, angel investor and board member of HBS Alumni Angels of South Florida.
Drawing on their extensive experience as investors, entrepreneurs, and business advisors, Ionela and Christian will provide an inside look at the world of angel investing and early-stage funding. Participants will explore the differences between angel investors and venture capitalists, what investors look for in founders and startups, and how to develop a compelling founder narrative that attracts investment.
The session will also walk entrepreneurs through the investment process, including approaching potential investors, understanding business valuations, navigating due diligence, and reviewing term sheets. Whether you're developing a business idea, preparing to raise capital, or looking to better understand the investor perspective, this interactive session will offer practical insights to help you take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton Campus
Bios:
Christian Schweizer | Founder & President, HBS Alumni Angels of South Florida
Christian Schweizer is a business executive, angel investor, and startup advisor with more than 25 years of international experience in marketing, business strategy, and growth. As Founder and President of Harvard Business School Alumni Angels of South Florida, he leads startup selection and due diligence, connecting entrepreneurs with angel investors to help scale their ventures. He is also Founder and Principal of LP Business Valuation LLC and a Certified Valuation Analyst, advising business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors on valuations and related financial matters. Previously, Christian served as Director of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Kaufman Rossin and led global business analytics at IBM. He teaches Marketing Analytics as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami and serves on the boards of the Harvard Business School Club and Neuro20 Technologies.
Ionela Costachi | Angel Investor, Entrepreneur & Startup Advisor
Ionela Costachi is an angel investor, serial entrepreneur, and startup advisor with extensive international experience in business development, fundraising, and strategic growth. She serves on the Board of HBS Alumni Angels of South Florida and is currently advising international founders preparing to raise capital in the United States. As the founder of multiple businesses, including Vertical.io, a blockchain company acquired in 2024, and Atlas Reserve, a fintech company, she brings firsthand experience in launching, scaling, and exiting ventures. Ionela has advised more than 30 startups and brands on market positioning, growth strategies, and investment readiness. Her background also includes senior government leadership as Secretary of State at Moldova's Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, providing a unique global perspective on entrepreneurship, investor expectations, and early-stage funding.
Event venue & nearby stays
Florida Atlantic University, Office Depot Center for Executive Education, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, United States
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