Here's What Most Founders Get Wrong with Global Angel Investor Erika Aquino

In this episode of Work Party, hosts Jacqueline Johnson and Marina Middleton welcome Erika Aquino, a globally diverse angel investor with a portfolio spanning 26 startups across six countries. Erika shares her journey from a career in PR and marketing across industries like energy, hospitality, and education, to becoming a board member of her family’s tech company in the Philippines and eventually building a global investment firm focused on wellness, sustainability, education, and the future of work. She emphasizes that while metrics matter, trust is built through authenticity, vulnerability, and how founders communicate—especially during quiet moments in a pitch. Erika reveals that founders often fail by not doing their research, trying to impress with unrealistic numbers, or failing to show self-awareness about their weaknesses. She champions founders who lean into their 'weirdness,' acknowledge their limitations, and hire for strengths they lack. The conversation also highlights the importance of relationship-building with investors before asking for capital, using personal connection and shared values as a bridge. Erika stresses that investors are not philanthropists—money must be returned—but they also want to back people whose vision aligns with theirs. She shares how AI has cut her research time by 75%, but human judgment, intuition, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable. Her investment philosophy centers on backing 'painkillers'—problem solvers—not 'band-aids'—temporary fixes. The episode closes with a powerful message: show up as your authentic self, know your 'why,' and build relationships with intention. Key takeaways include: 1) Investors back founders more than ideas—authenticity and self-awareness are critical; 2) Avoid fluff and unrealistic numbers—focus on realistic, well-justified metrics; 3) Use AI as a tool, but never replace human intuition and judgment; 4) Build relationships with investors before asking for money—show genuine interest in them as people; 5) Know your 'why' and communicate it clearly; 6) Embrace your weaknesses and hire for them; 7) Be obsessed with your customers, not just your competitors; 8) Don’t be intimidated—investors are people too, and Erika is approachable and supportive.