If you’re here that means you’re ready to enter the world of angel investing or at least planning to. Or maybe you’re an entrepreneur on a lookout for that golden ticket—an angel investor to help you launch your dream. Angel investing platforms make that magic happen by connecting investors with startups that have huge potential to succeed.
But the next question that comes is, with so many options around, how to choose where to start? No worries, we’ve got you. Now, let’s break it down and explore some of the best angel investment platforms, how they work, and why they matter.
What Are Angel Investing Platforms?
To begin with, a quick refresher: angel investors are individuals who put their own money into early-stage startups. They take risks and also get a slice of the next big thing in making. Angel investing platforms are aggregators that act as matchmaking sites for investors to meet startups. They act as a dating app for funding—with more spreadsheets and details, and fewer awkward first dates with ghosting.
These angel investing platforms serve two main purposes:
- For Investors: Providing access to vetted startups with big potential.
- For Entrepreneurs: Gateway to finding angel investors who believe in bold ideas
Now, let’s review the best platforms to explore.
1. AngelList
If you’ve Googled “find angel investors,” AngelList must have popped up in your search results. It’s the OG in the angel investment network game.
- Why Investors Love It: You can start by investing as little as $1,000 through syndicates, which helps in spreading risk and letting you back multiple startups.
- Why Founders Love It: It’s a well-known platform, so most of the top-tier investors are there. Plus, AngelList does a lot of the heavy lifting, like legal paperwork.
2. SeedInvest
SeedInvest is a sleek, user-friendly platform for investors who are pretty serious about investing. It focuses mostly on startups that show high growth potential.
- Why Investors Love It: Their startups vetting process is rigorous—only about 1% of applicants make it to the final cut.
- Why Founders Love It: It allows access to a well-curated group of angel investors who trust and appreciate the platform’s vetting process.
3. Crowdcube
Crowdcube is a European powerhouse in the angel investment network scene. So, if you own a startup or want to invest in international opportunities, it’s a great choice for you.
- Why Investors Love It: Every time you invest, you get equity for it. Moreover, the platform has a proven solid track record.
- Why Founders Love It: You can raise funds and build brand awareness simultaneously.
4. StartEngine
StartEngine is one of the top angel investment companies based out of the United States. It's a perfect choice for investors who are looking for a mix of tech, consumer goods, and more.
- Why Investors Love It: There is an opportunity to invest directly in startups or in StartEngine itself.
- Why Founders Love It: Marketing support is also provided by them, which is crucial during fundraising.
5. Gust
Gust is not just an angel investors website, but much more than that—a full-on ecosystem for startups and investors.
- Why Investors Love It: There are more than 800 angel groups worldwide available to connect to.
- Why Founders Love It: They provide tools to manage your business plans as well as investor relations.
6. OurCrowd
OurCrowd is a pioneer among angel investment platforms. The platform has been kept a bit more exclusive but it’s totally worth it.
- Why Investors Love It: The deals you invest in are co-invested by OurCrowd’s team, which means they put skin in the game too.
- Why Founders Love It: It’s a ticket to get access to international angel investors and high-net-worth individuals.
What Makes a Great Angel Investing Platform?
It should be noted that all angel investing platforms are different. When it comes to the best ones, they go further than simply providing a list of startup companies. Some are sources of inspiration, some provide research assistance and some occasionally, or perhaps most importantly, provide coaching and learning opportunities.
What needs to be taken into account to decide is that the platforms should be credible with reasonable charges for their services. For new angel investors, the presence of an educational feature can really put you over the top. But, you shouldn’t underrate the role of a good network: an active angel investment network means exclusivity and access to experienced co-participants whose recommendations will be a valuable guide.
Where to Learn Angel Investing: Angel School
Angel investing is a relatively recent approach to venture financing, making it important to understand the fundamentals before diving in. That's where Angel School comes in—it is specifically designed to address this need by educating and guiding prospective angel investors.
• Why Choose Angel School?
If you’re completely new to the concept of angel investment or want to take your skills up a notch, Angel School has educational programs for you.
• Course Highlight: Venture Fundamentals:
This course is designed to dissect the most important components of venture investing. You will discover how to appraise the alternatives, minimize risk, and identify the optimal startups. Let’s imagine a master class but with very detailed instructions on how to accomplish everything.
Why Education Matters in Angel Investing
Angel investing cannot be defined simply as writing a check and making investments: it is about making the right decisions. As a piece of advice, market understanding, evaluation of startups, and knowledge about the ways of managing risks are significant. That’s why there is demand for platforms such as Angel School.
With courses like Venture Fundamentals, you get a sufficient amount of knowledge to start acting in the investment field with confidence. Education assists you in identifying opportunities for success, risks, and an investment portfolio according to your plan. This is a very exciting world; whether you are newly minted or have been in the investment business for a few years, the best approach is to always learn.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re an investor looking to invest in startups or a founder seeking out investors to fund their company – angel investment platforms have been developed for both. Step in, investigate, and select what best suits you. And if you want to tune up your startup investing skills, Angel School is here for you. Maybe, today’s small bet will become the startup that turns into the next unicorn. Happy investing!
About AngelSchool.vc
AngelSchool.vc is a Fellowship program dedicated to helping Angel Investors build syndicates. We give Program Fellows a syndicate blueprint in just 8 weeks.
After that, they’re invited to join our Investment Committee (IC) to get real deal experience AND earn carried interest. Apply for the next cohort of our Syndicate Program here.
The AngelSchool.vc Syndicate is backed by 1000+ LPs and deploys $MNs annually. Subscribe here for exclusive dealflow.
