Angel Investors: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

Angel Investors: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

What are Angel Investors and Why are They Important?

Angel investors are wealthy individuals who provide capital to startups and small businesses in exchange for equity or convertible debt. They are an important source of funding for entrepreneurs and startups who may not qualify for bank loans or other traditional financing.

Some key things to know about angel investors:

• They typically invest between $25,000 to $100,000 initially, with potential follow-on investing up to $1 million(https://www.reddit.com/r/startups/comments/atkdeg/how_much_do_angel_investors_typically_invest/)
• They invest their own money, unlike venture capitalists who manage pools of other investors’ money
• They provide more than just money – they often provide advice, contacts, and mentoring to the entrepreneurs they invest in
• They allow startups to get off the ground before approaching VCs for larger rounds of funding

Why Angel Investors Invest in Startups

There are a few key reasons angels invest in startups(https://www.quora.com/Why-do-angel-investors-invest-in-startups):

• Financial returns – While risky, startup investments can provide high returns if successful. Angels aim for 5-10x their investment or more in the long run.
• Fun and learning – Angels often enjoy working with entrepreneurs, learning about new technologies, markets etc.
• Giving back – Many angels like paying-it-forward and helping the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed.

Where Entrepreneurs Can Find Angel Investors

There are several ways entrepreneurs can connect with angels(https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/a-startup-guide-to-finding-an-investor):

• Angel investor networks – Most cities have angel groups entrepreneurs can pitch to, like AngelList and Gust.
• Accelerators/incubators – These programs often have strong ties to angel investors in their community.
• Introductions – Getting introduced to an angel through your network or advisor can help get a foot in the door.
• Events – Attending startup/investor events, conferences and trade shows is a chance to connect.

What Do Angel Investors Look for in Startups?

When evaluating investment opportunities, angel investors look for(https://www.findlaw.com/smallbusiness/business-finance/what-do-angel-investors-look-for-in-a-small-business.html):

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• Strong founders – The quality and experience of the founders is very important to angels. They want to invest in passionate, adaptable founders who can attract top talent.
• Large market potential – Angels look for startups targeting markets large enough to support major growth down the line. Markets over $1 billion are most attractive.
• Traction – Startups with initial customers, revenue, user or sales growth stand out. This demonstrates market demand.
• Defensible technology/business model – Angels want to see proprietary technology, IP, network effects or other competitive advantages that can’t easily be copied.

What Do Angel Investors Get in Return?

In exchange for providing seed funding, angel investors receive equity in the companies they invest in. Typical angel deals include:

• Equity stake – Angels may negotiate for 5-25% equity in the company, depending on valuation and amount invested. More successful startups means a larger potential payout.
• Board seats – Angels sometimes take board seats to provide advice and oversight around major decisions.
• Pro-rata rights – Angels often reserve the rights to participate in future fundraising rounds to avoid equity dilution over time.
• Information/voting rights – Standard rights around receiving financial statements, attending shareholder meetings and voting may be negotiated.

Key Terms Entrepreneurs Should Understand Before Taking Angel Money

Before accepting angel funding, entrepreneurs should understand several key legal and financial concepts, including(https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/small-business/angel-investors/what-legal-protections-should-entrepreneurs-seek-w.html):

• Valuation – What % equity will angels get based on current valuation? Make sure not to give up too much control/ownership early on.
• Vesting schedules – How long until all angel shares fully vest? Industry standard is 3-5 years.
• Liquidation preferences – In an exit, do angels get paid back first? Make sure preferences aren’t too high.
• Future dilution – Understand how much equity you’ll lose in future rounds and set aside option pools for employees.
• Control provisions – Pay attention to board seats, voting rights and protective provisions angels may request.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs Looking for Angel Funding

Securing funding from angel investors provides capital for startups to get off the ground in exchange for equity ownership for angels. Key takeways include:

• Identify angel investors through networks, events and accelerators/incubators
• Perfect your pitch deck and be prepared to demonstrate major market potential
• Understand valuation, equity splits, and control provision implications before accepting a deal
• Look for angels who can provide strategic advice and connections in addition to capital

With the right angel investment and smart deal terms, entrepreneurs can propel their startup’s early growth while retaining enough equity to stay motivated for future success.

Resources

Articles

• How to Pitch to Angel Investors
• Equity Splits Between Founders and Investors

Videos

• Mark Suster on Raising Money from Angels
• What Angel Investors Care About