The Golden Angels Network is a group of investors, both alumni and non-alumni of Marquette, that helps entrepreneurs start companies.,”The Marquette Golden Angels Network, a group of private investors affiliated with the university, hosted a business seminar for Italian investors in the Alumni Memorial Union this week.

The Golden Angels Network is a group of investors, both alumni and non-alumni of Marquette, that helps entrepreneurs start companies. The university acts as a host, providing support for the group and thereby helping to develop the community, according to David Shrock, dean of the College of Business Administration.

Entrepreneurs approach the Angels with ideas for new ventures. With enough support, a deal receives the green light and financial backing. The diversity of interests and business expertise serves as the greatest strength of the group, according to Luigi Amati, who works for a fund management company in Italy.

"They are very well organized," he said. "The people have different business experiences, so they are able to invest in different fields. There is syndication: multiple investors working together, capable of investing in any sector."

The Angels' seminar this week focused specificially on the role of investment groups giving budding entrepreneurs a jump-start with their business ventures.

According to Richard Boly, a U.S. diplomat who works at the embassy in Rome, investment groups like the Angels don't exist in Italy. Boly said he hopes this Golden Angels seminar will help to change that.

The seminar, with about 30 attendees, is one in a series of similar events planned in both the U.S. and Italy. Boly assisted in the coordination of the events. He said because of the U.S. and Italy's positive relationship, these events are aimed at improving Italy's economy. Boly said the country's economy is growing at less than 1 percent per year. Boly said he hopes that if Italian investors form investing groups like those in the United States, they will help breathe life into the struggling economy.

"Italy has the capabilities for the creation of new ideas and ventures," Boly said. " (But) the virtuous relationships between universities and investors don't exist."

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