Angel investor looks for 'coachable' firms
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Catherine Mott, cheief executive of Blue Tree Capital Group, was recently named board chairman of Angel Capital Association.
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Catherine Mott had never heard of angel investors when a friend who worked in the venture capital sector suggested she launch an angel network in 2000.
At the time, she owned a consulting firm that helped small- and medium-sized banks establish investment divisions. But even during her 14-year career in brokerage and banking prior to becoming a consultant, Ms. Mott had not come across "angels" -- typically wealthy individuals who use their own money to finance high-risk, early-stage business ventures.
Job: Founder and chief executive, BlueTree cq Capital Group and BlueTree Allied Angels
Age: 56
Hometown: Greenville, Pa.; resides in Mercer.
Education: Bachelor in education, Edinboro University, 1976; master of education, Edinboro University, 1977; master of business administration, Youngstown State University, 1988.
Career: 1977-85: 10th grade English teacher, Greenville Area School District; 1985-87: account executive, McEwen & Associates, Greenville; 1988-90: investment sales, private banker and project coordinator, Peoples Bank of Western Pennsylvania, New Castle; 1991-93: assistant manager, regional banking center, PNC Bank, Pittsburgh; 1994-97: commercial loan officer, vice president, and senior vice president, First Western Bank, New Castle; 1997-99: senior vice president and executive division officer, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Hermitage; 1999-2003: president and founder, Synergetic Sales Performance Group, Mercer; 2003: co-founded BlueTree Capital Group and BlueTree Allied Angels; 2008: bought out BlueTree co-founder and became sole owner.
After 18 months of research, including trips to tech hubs in Silicon Valley and Boston, Ms. Mott sold her consulting business and started BlueTree Capital Group and BlueTree Allied Angels.
To date, the Wexford business has invested $15 million and its current portfolio includes 24 ventures ranging from one developing an artificial lung device to a chain of casual restaurants. Since its inception, BlueTree's investor network has grown from eight to 48 individuals.
First Published September 12, 2010 12:00 am
