Who We Are

About us

The Regional Angel Investor Network (RAIN) is focused on building and supporting the growth of an effective angel and early stage funding ecosystem across regional areas of Australia.

Angel investment is the most significant source of equity for startup businesses seeking to start, build and scale their early business ideas and is a fundamental first link in the venture supply chain. Many successful high growth companies in Australia started with angel backing.

At the Regional Angel Investor Network, we are commited to unlocking the entrepreneurial spirit of Australians who live and work in our regions. By connecting regional startups with angel investors, we aim to create a thriving network that supports the next generation of startups.

We recognise the need to increase angel investment capacity to back early stage science, technology, innovation and net zero.

Why regional?

A thriving angel market is core to the functioning of the venture supply chain from start up to scale up. To date, most of the well established Angel Investor Networks are located in our major capital cities, such as Melbourne Angels, Sydney Angels, Brisbane Angels and Perth Angels.

There is a significant need to rebalance and increase regional angel investment capacity to drive innovation, job, and wealth creation in our regions.

Chapters

RAIN is dedicated to fostering a strong, connected and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem across Australia. 

We strive to achieve this by establishing local chapters in every state and territory, to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, investors and partners to connect, collaborate and grow.

Victoria represents a thriving network for startups and is represented by a diverse range of industries. Some of the key regional areas in Victoria that are known for their startup communities include Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo. These areas have a growing ecosystem of entrepreneurs, accelerators, and incubators, as well as a supportive government and a strong culture of innovation.

The startup ecosystem in New South Wales is robust and dynamic, with a strong focus on technology, fintech, and professional services. The Regional Angels local chapter for New South Wales is dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration in key areas such as Wollongong, Illawarra, Newcastle, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains.

Queensland is well known for its flourishing industries, particularly in technology, tourism, health and agriculture. Our local chapter for Queensland is dedicated to supporting and fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state, focusing on the growing communities in areas like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville and Toowoomba. 

Western Australia boasts a rich and diverse landscape, with a thriving network of regional communities. Known for its vast natural resources, abundance of mining and energy opportunities and a diverse, multicultural population, it is home to growing startup ecosystems in key areas such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the South West region, Geraldton and Broome.

Our local chapter for South Australia focuses on supporting and investing in startups in the Adelaide, Barossa Valley and Murraylands regions. South Australia is known for its agriculture, advanced engineering, clean energy, and tourism. We aim to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in South Australia.

With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, Tasmania is a veritable hotbed of innovation and growth. The startup ecosystem in Tasmania is varied and exciting, with a strong focus on technology, tourism, and agriculture. Tasmania's key regional areas such as Hobart, Launceston and Devonport make it the place to be for entrepreneurs and investors.

In the Northern Territory, Regional Angels local chapter supports startups operating in various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mining, technology and renewable energy, with a focus on regional areas such as Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine.

The Australian Capital Territory boasts a vibrant startup network with a variety of industries represented. Some of the prominent regional areas within the ACT for startup communities include Canberra, Belconnen, and Tuggeranong. These areas have a flourishing ecosystem of entrepreneurs, accelerators, and incubators, along with supportive government initiatives and a thriving culture of innovation.

Meet the Team

Our Facilitator

Sam Almaliki

Founder & Facilitator

Sam Almaliki is the Founder & Facilitator of the Regional Angel Investor Network.

Sam is an accomplished and strategic business leader, board director, and expert advisor for early-stage businesses.

As the Co-Founder of leading online conveyancer, Settle Easy, Sam has overseen the organisation’s growth and expansion. Most recently, he has acted as Head of Commercial at ASX-listed company Acusensus, a world leader in road safety technology, where he has helped secure over $120 million in contracted revenue within four years.

Sam is also the Founder of Startup Speakers, a platform that connects speakers across the startup world by sharing their inspiring stories to suit all event types.

As the Facilitator of the Regional Angel Investor Network, Sam is passionate about the role of startups in changing lives, driving prosperity, and delivering societal benefit.

Prior to embarking on a career in business, Sam was the Head of Community Engagement and Diversity Council Secretary at Cricket Australia, where he oversaw a period of significant growth to record levels of participation, sponsorship, and engagement, as well as leading substantial organisational change.

He has also held leadership positions at the ABC Advisory Council and been a member of the SBS Advisory Committee.

In his previous capacity as a Multicultural Commissioner in New South Wales and Victoria, Sam served as Chairperson of the New England and the Loddon Mallee, Regional Advisory Councils respectively.

As the Chairperson of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust and Chairperson of the John Curtin Research Centre, Sam continues to make a positive impact on society.

As an angel investor himself, Sam wishes to help connect startups with other angel investors in all regional areas across the country.