12 Places to find angel investors right for your startup Leverage online platforms. Attend industry-specific conferences. Join local entrepreneurship groups. Participate in pitch competitions. Explore alumni networks. Engage with accelerators and incubators. Utilize LinkedIn strategically. Attend angel investor meetups.
Venture capital involves providing early stage funding to growing companies with promising potential, while angel investing typically involves one or a few individuals making a personal investment in a business in exchange for equity. Both methods of investment carry risks, but also offer potentially high returns.
To be an angel, you need to qualify as an accredited investor, defined by the SEC as $1 million of net worth or annual income over $200,000.
Angel investors typically seek a 10%-30% equity stake in a company. This percentage is negotiated based on your startup's valuation, the funding amount and the perceived risk. It's essential to strike a balance that reflects your company's current value and future potential.
Angel investing is only suitable for those with stable income streams and minimum investable assets of $1 million — $2 million. Consider if: You have at least six months of living expenses set aside in savings as an emergency cushion. Investing surplus minimizes financial disruption if some startups fail.
Keep your email concise (aim for 200-300 words), but make every word count. Personalize each email to the specific investor, highlighting why you think they'd be a great fit for your venture. Lastly, don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately. Follow up politely after a week or two, but avoid being pushy.