Southwest Baptist University joins the national Beyond Angel Network to facilitate
the inaugural launch of a new SBU Bearcat Angel Network — bringing new and exciting
opportunities to SBU alumni, friends, and students. Beyond is a Dallas, Texas-based
national multi-Christian university ecosystem of Angel Networks providing early-stage
capital, a network of industry relationships, and expertise for faith-driven founders
of for-profit companies. The investment thesis is to invest in disruptive technology
companies led by faith-driven founders using their platform of influence for the glory
of God in the marketplace.
This new SBU Bearcat Angel Network will not only provide exceptional, paid internships for business students but will also engage alumni and friends of SBU in an active Angel Network community. Alumni and friends of SBU can become “angel investors.” This is a great opportunity to help shape the world around them by investing in Christ-centered businesses with Christian CEOs — all while mentoring a current SBU student. Southwest Baptist University is excited to create this new opportunity as a way to engage with alumni and the community through the opportunity to participate in company pitch events beginning April 21, 2023.
SBU students can apply for an internship with Beyond and the SBU Bearcat Angel Network, where students will augment their classroom experience with paid internships working with the CEOs of top technology startup companies.
“We are so excited about our partnership with Beyond!” Dr. Angela Brown-Peterson, associate professor of business, explains, “SBU alumni and friends now have the opportunity to invest in Christian business leaders who are transforming the marketplace. Our students have the amazing opportunity to intern at Beyond and apply what they learn in their classes. SBU angel investors will also mentor our student interns, which is an incredible experience for our students and angels.”
“We are thrilled to welcome SBU in joining the national network of Christian universities, angels, and student interns! We are proud to be able to include a leader like SBU in our national community. We believe the launch of this new SBU Bearcat Angel Network will continue to advance SBU as both a regional and national leader and innovator amongst private Christian universities," said Dick Blanc, founder of the national Beyond Angel Network and Beyond Capital Funds.
Southwest Baptist University will host its first Beyond and SBU Bearcat Pitch event, inviting angel investors across the U.S. to participate and company CEOs to pitch this spring on April 21 on campus. Students are also encouraged to join in on the fun with "SBU: The Pitch" held on March 7 for a student pitch competition. Any student can participate and pitch a current business venture or a new business idea.
For questions or to learn more about this new program and how to join the SBU Bearcat Angel Network, contact Brown-Peterson at abrownpeterson@SBUniv.edu or (417) 328-1754.
*Published: 10/18/2022