When it comes to investing in startups, angel investing is some of the most important funding to consider. They provide essential funding for early-stage companies and can offer valuable advice and mentorship. If you're a startup founder, it's best to know what angel investors look for when investing in entrepreneurs.
There are a few key things that angel investors tend to focus on. They want to see passion from the founders, coupled with the business savvy to build a solid plan. And of course, they will practice due diligence and see how they will recoup and profit from their investment.
In this article, let's go through what angel investors look for when investing in entrepreneurs.
Are You an Angel Investor? Get Deal Flows From Angel School!
Ready for your next investment? Gain exclusive access to the best companies that Angel School has vetted. Our investors see success through our excellent deal flow and world-class diligence.
We source hundreds of companies and invest selectively, with a fully transparent process. So join our growing global community, and see what a diversified deal flow and a talent for choosing good deals can do for you.
What Angel Investors Look For When Investing in Entrepreneurs
The first thing that angel investor groups want to see in startups is a strong and passionate team in place.
They want to know that the startup founders behind the company have the drive and determination to make it succeed.
Secondly, they'll be looking for a solid business plan. This doesn't have to be anything fancy, but it does need to show that the company has a clear idea of what it's doing and where it's going.
Third, they'll want to see some evidence of early traction. This could be in the form of early customers, positive press coverage, or anything else that shows that people are interested in what the company is doing.
Fourthly, they'll want to know that the company has a clear path to profitability. They need to see that there is a realistic plan in place to make the business successful in the long term. They want to see a go-to-market strategy or marketing plans that make sense.
Finally, they'll want to see that the company has a competitive advantage. This could be in the form of a unique product or service, a strong team, or anything else that gives the company an edge over its competitors.
If you can show angel groups that you tick all of these boxes, then you're well on your way to securing their angel investments.
Let's look at some of these factors in more in-depth.
Your Team and Their Experience
When it comes to attracting angel investors, your team is one of the most important factors.
Investors want to see a group of people who are experts in their field and who have a proven track record of solving similar problems. Your team should be confident in their skills and knowledge, and be able to articulate why they are the best group to execute your project.
In addition to a great team, investors also look for a well-thought-out business plan and a clear understanding of the market opportunity. You and your team should not only have a great idea but the capacity to follow through, with a solid go-to-market strategy.
If you can show investors that you have a strong team in place and a solid plan for success, you'll be well on your way to securing the funding you need.
The Problem You're Solving
As an entrepreneur, one of the first things you need to do is figure out what problem you're solving. This seems like a simple task, but it's actually one of the most important aspects of starting a successful business.
Why?
Because investors want to know that you're solving a problem that people care about. If you can't articulate the problem you're solving in a clear and concise way, then chances are you won't be able to convince anyone to invest in your business.
So, how do you figure out what problem you're solving?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Who is your target customer?
- What needs does your target customer have?
- What are their pain points?
- What are their goals?
Once you have a good understanding of your target customer, you can start to figure out what problem you're solving for them.
Your Solution and How It's Unique
When it comes to startups, there are a lot of things that potential angel groups look for. But one of the most important factors is uniqueness.
They want to see that your company is offering something new and innovative that can make a real difference in the lives of people. That's why it's important to make sure that your solution is truly unique.
It should be unlike anything else on the market, and it should have the potential to change people's lives for the better.
If you can show potential investors that your company is offering something new and innovative, you're more likely to get their attention – and their angel investments.
Your Business Model
As an entrepreneur, it's important to have a solid business model. After all, this is what angel investors look for when investing in entrepreneurs.
They want to see a clear path to profitability.
There are a few key things that your business model should include:
- A clear path to profitability
- A detailed description of your revenue streams.
- A well-defined pricing strategy
- A solid plan for marketing and sales.
- A clear understanding of your target market.
- A plan for maximizing your growth potential
If you can show potential investors that you have a well-thought-out business model, you'll be much more likely to receive funding. It could mean the difference between success and failure.
Qualities of a Startup Founder That Attract Angel Investors
When it comes to investing in startups, angel investors are looking for more than just a great product or company. They're also looking for great founders.
There are certain personal qualities that startup founders can possess that make them more attractive to angel investors. Here are some of those qualities:
Passion
Passion is one of the most important qualities of a startup founder.
Angel investors want to see that the founder is passionate about their product or company and that they're committed to making it a success.
Vision
A great startup founder has a clear vision for their product or company. They know where they want to take it and they have a plan for how to get there.
Determination
Determination is key in a startup founder. Angel investors want to see that the founder is willing to put in the hard work to make their product or company a success.
Courage
A great startup founder has the courage to take risks. Angel investors want to see that the founder is willing to take risks and that they're not afraid to fail.
If you're a startup founder, possessing these qualities will make you more attractive to angel investors. Keep these in mind when you're pitching your product or company to potential investors.
Conclusion
Angel investors typically invest in entrepreneurs who have solid business plans and a clear vision for their companies. They also look for entrepreneurs who are passionate about their businesses and have the drive to succeed.
Now that you have an idea of what angel investors look for when investing in entrepreneurs
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.