Most angel investors invest anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 per deal, with the average return being somewhere in the range of 20–30%.
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.
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. (I'm simplifying – the real definition is a bit more complex – but it gives you the idea.)
Money you invest as an angel investor is not tax deductible like a charitable gift. It's more complicated. However, since we wrote this piece in late 2021, there have been several states that have come out with “angel tax credits” - which means that there may be state level tax opportunities.
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.
Typically, an angel investor will invest between $25,000 to $100,000 in each startup investment deal, though smaller and larger check sizes (like Thiel's) do occur.
Money you invest as an angel investor is not tax deductible like a charitable gift. It's more complicated. However, since we wrote this piece in late 2021, there have been several states that have come out with “angel tax credits” - which means that there may be state level tax opportunities.