Get started on your angel investing journey today with the ĀVA Investment Academy

  • In-person & Virtual Investing Courses

    Exclusive half day and full day courses teaching you angel investing

  • Virtual Learning Lounge Sessions

    Continued education and expert-led discussions

  • A Dedicated Resource Hub

    Access to investor frameworks, case studies, and deal insights

  • A Thriving Investor Community

    Join a network of hundreds of graduates and like-minded investors at our live events
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Our Story

Arāya Ventures was born from a simple yet powerful idea: angel investing should be accessible to everyone, not just insiders.

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What you will learn

Our Angel Investing Masterclass includes:

  • Find High-potential Investment Opportunities

  • Engage in Real-World Case Studies

  • Understand the Legal Aspects of Investing

  • Develop an Investor Mindset & Overcome Biases

  • Add Value Beyond Capital Through Networking, Mentorship, and Strategic Guidance

  • Build and Manage a Diversified Portfolio

  • Join a Thriving Community of Investors

The AVA course takes you through nine key modules to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to invest wisely:

01 Introduction to Angel Investing

→ Understanding angel investing as a concept and practice

→ The role of angel investors in funding early-stage start-ups

→ Dispelling myths about angel investing and addressing common biases

02 Deal Analysis and Assessment

→ Frameworks for analysing potential investments

→ Evaluating start-ups without extensive financial data or revenue history

→ Key factors to consider

03 Accessing Deals

→ Identifying start-ups through angel networks, syndicates, and personal networks

→ Leveraging professional and personal connections to find opportunities

→ Tools and platforms for sourcing deals

04 Legal Considerations

→ Introduction to legal terminology and deal structures

→ Managing risks through diversification and understanding investment agreements

05 Adding Value Post-Investment

→ Supporting start-ups beyond capital investment

→ Strategies for networking, recruitment, and offering mentorship

→ Building a collaborative relationship with founders

06 Practical Case Studies

→ Live due diligence sessions with real start-ups

→ Reviewing pitch decks

→ Discussing successes and challenges faced by experienced investors

07 Investor Mindset and Superpowers

→ Identifying personal strengths and contributions as an investor

→ Recognising unconscious biases in decision-making

→ Developing confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome

08 Building a Portfolio and Measuring Success

→ Strategies for constructing a diversified portfolio

→ Evaluating the return on investment over time

→ Insights into scaling involvement and preparing for exits

09 What’s Next? Community and Networking

→ Post-course engagement through events and resources

→ Access to a growing community of hundreds of graduates for collaboration and idea-sharing

→ Ongoing education and opportunities for further investment learning

Featured AVA Courses

Our courses are designed to help you build confidence, learn practical investment frameworks, and connect with a powerful network of investors.

* Prices vary based on instructor, location, and any subsidised costs by regional partners. *

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Meet Your Instructors

All our instructors are active angel investors with real-world investing experience

Our team of instructors is growing – more to be announced soon!

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  • Rupa Popat

    Founder & Managing Partner, Arāya Ventures

    Teaches in:
    London, Dubai, Riyadh

    Investment Thesis:
    Health, FinTech, Commerce and Future of Work

    LinkedIn Profile 

  • Carmel Rafaeli

    Founding Partner,
    The Table

    Teaches in:
    London

    Investment Thesis:
    Sustainability, Climate & Female Founders

    LinkedIn Profile 

  • Nina Patel

    Product, Technology, Innovation Leader & NED

    Teaches in:
    London

    Investment Thesis:
    Female Founders

    LinkedIn Profile 

  • Maya Ghosn Bichara

    Purpose-Driven Investor, Advisor & Coach

    Teaches in:
    Riyadh

    Investment Thesis:
    Health, Wealth and Self-Care

    LinkedIn Profile 

Reviews that speak volumes

Don’t just take our word for it, hear what our graduates say about us

  • “I left the course feeing empowered, knowledgeable and ready to embark on my own investment journey.”

    Vasanti, CEO

  • “I highly recommend the AVA programme for organisations committed to empowering their female leaders to explore angel investing – which is so much more than just writing a cheque. It’s a great way to give something back, and support innovation and entrepreneurship.”

    Debbie Saunders, Brand Strategist

  • “This course provides crucial information if you are serious about pursuing angel investing. From learning about due diligence to strategy and diversification, it’s packed full of information. I learnt that it’s important to surround yourself with experienced people who know what they are doing. The course is also a great place to meet other investors.”

    Rachel Elliott

  • “If you’ve thought about angel investing and found it intimidating, do this course. Rupa demystifies the process and leaves you inspired to start building your own portfolio.”

    Jessica Barlow

  • “Best training course I’ve ever been on.”

    Rupal Kantaria, Oliver Wyman

  • “A phenomenal angel investing course. The educational aspect was empowering. Rupa’s deep understanding and ability to bring empathy truly resonated.”

    Managing Director, Investment Bank

  • “Rupa, you were a fab presenter and teacher! It was great to meet other graduates and see firsthand the impact you’re making to expand the network of angel investors. Plus, it was the first time in my career where I wasn’t the minority in the room – felt very empowering!”

    Investment Manager, British Business Bank

  • “Angel investing feels way more accessible since doing this course.”

    Mamta Patel, HSBC

  • “Everything you need to know when starting your angel investment journey and such a diverse community of women. We were thrilled to host this at HSBC Innovation Banking.”

    Ariella Young, HSBC Innovation Banking

1 9

  • 98%

    of graduates felt more confident making investment decisions

  • 250+

    graduates have joined our exclusive investor community

  • 70%

    of participants made their first angel investment within 6 months

  • 85%

    of attendees say the due diligence framework and real-world case studies were the most valuable part of the course

  • #1 choice

    for new investors looking to learn, connect, and invest with confidence

  • Diverse Network

    Graduates from London, Dubai, Glasgow, Riyadh, Toronto & beyond

For any queries or comments please email us at ava@araya.ventures

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Araya Ventures Limited is an Appointed Representative of The Fund Incubator, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with firm reference number 208716