Entrepreneurs’ Angels
We all know Charlie’s angels; they save the world before things get even worse for us. Well, entrepreneurs also have different types of angels. These “angels” might not come with kickass martial arts skills, but they can save startups before they crash and burn out of sheer desperation. Enter the angel investors – the unsung heroes of the startup world who give rookie businesses the financial wings they need to fly high!
Angel Investors
Angel investors are individuals with high net worth that provide funds for startups. These funds could either be a one-time thing or it could be continuous and takes place at different stages as the startup grows up. So, are angels basically lenders? No, because they don’t take their money back, at least not in the same way they’ve given it. Meaning that they exchange funds with equity. Unlike lenders, angel investors usually invest in the early stages of a startup to get it off the ground. So, they invest based on the potential of a company rather than the profitability.
Angel Investors vs. Venture Capitalists
Not to be confused with Vulture Venture Capitalists (VC), they both give money to companies and startups, but they’re not the same. When it comes to funding a business, angels use their own money. That is unlike VCs who use other investors’ money to put them in a fund. VCs are all about business so they care more about profitability than potential.
The other face of the angel
The name alone has a knight-in-shinning-armour vibe to it, but as in all stories, there’s always a plot twist. While angel investors only take equity in exchange for funds, the equity could be 10% to 50% of your company! That means a possibility of losing control of your business. This is why it’s important to think twice before giving away your power even to angels.
Angel’s heaven
Except for that part, angels are mostly good for business. So where can you find them? Well, several places are starting with Angel List; an online platform that helps business owners find investors. Angel Investment Network is another online platform where business owners can advertise their companies and angel investors will contribute if they are interested. Using your own connections to find an angel investor could work or hit up LinkedIn.
So, while Charlie’s Angels save the world, entrepreneurs’ angels are out there saving businesses. Angel investors bring in the much-needed funds to help startups fly, and they do it based on potential, not just profits. But before you hand over a chunk of your company in exchange for that angelic cash, remember to weigh the pros and cons, I mean losing control of your business might be too expensive!
The good news? There are plenty of places to find your very own business angel, just make sure you're ready for both the boost and the strings attached!