Today, we're happy to feature Francesco Simoneschi, Co-Founder and CEO at TrueLayer and angel with 60+ investments.In this episode, Francesco dives deep into his experience going from VC to angel investing, the nuances of angel investing, shedding light on some counterintuitive lessons he's learned along the way. He delves into the importance of trusting your instincts when assessing early-stage startups and why sometimes, early traction can be a red flag.Francesco also shares his strategies for making international investments and the value of building a network of trusted insiders in unfamiliar territories. Plus, he reflects on the soft skills and leadership qualities that he wishes he had focused on earlier in his career.Jump to the parts that matter most to you and watch our core highlights below ?00:02:52 - On Starting TrueLayer in Italy 00:05:54 - Francesco’s 60+ angel portfolio & striking a balance as an operator00:07:30 - The complementarity of angel investing and being an operator00:08:44 - Angel Investing in the FinTech Ecosystem00:09:12 - Balancing Excitement and Discipline in Investing00:11:00 - Reflections on Investing in a Marihuana delivery startup00:14:16 - Investing in The Development of Wetware Computers00:15:45 - On The Drive of Entrepreneurs00:17:12 - Accessing European Capital for Early Stage Opportunities00:18:34 - Investing in Various Industries00:20:01 - Diversifying Portfolio as a Tech Entrepreneur00:22:54 - Balancing Risk and Fun in Angel Investing00:24:10 - Assessing Founders and Key Ingredients00:22:44 - The Importance of Financial Savvy and Diversified Portfolios00:24:26 - Mitigating Financing Risk00:26:16 - Investing Based on Value and Learning00:28:16 - Investing in Early Stages and Venture Funds00:30:08 - The Importance of Diversification00:32:03 - Trusting Your Instincts in Angel Investing00:34:00 - Capturing Signals in Investment Strategy00:35:48 - The Reality of Bridge Rounds00:37:39 - The Importance of Discipline in Angel Investing00:39:17 - Playing the Long Game00:41:11 - Importance of Soft Skills and Leadership in Education