Angel Investors
From Entrepedia: The Entrepreneurship Wiki
Very often a mentor becomes an angel investor later on, so keep this in mind when you are looking for a potential mentor. Although the idea of an angel investor might seem straightforward, there are several different types. Each different kind of angel investor will involve a different kind of relationship with you as the entrepreneur (or entrepreneurs), and will come with their own potential pitfalls. Angel investors are by no means a perfect solution.
- Note: If you are looking for a mentor, try contacting an organisation like Scottish Enterprise
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The Family Investor
The Family Investor is likely not really a classic Angel Investor at all but rather a supportive family member that "knows you". Their motivation is likely out of support (sometimes guilt), but their basic investment thesis is they trust you. For me these are the worst type of investor because you likely have intimate knowledge of their financial situation and whether or not they 'should' be investing. Likely, they have no inherent feel if your idea is good or not, but may have changed your diaper at one time or another and have overcome that experience to hand you a check for $25K or $50K. Personally, I like this category of investor the least because the investment is totally emotional and personal – and that sucks in business. But based on the financial situation of the individuals involved and the relationships this can work ok if everyone comes into the situation with their eyes open, but go out of your way to make sure.[1]
The Relationship Investor
The Relationship Investor is probably one or more co-workers from a previous gig or business friends you have known for a while. They may or may not understand what your new company is doing but they have had a track record working with you. They want to be supportive, but are looking for a return. You won't lose them as friends if things go bad, but the investment for them is likely not 'trivial'. In my experience these are good Angels to have, again as long as their eyes are open going in. These people can also be wildly supportive of you in terms of finding employees and other resources.[1]
The Idea Investor
The Idea Investor is probably very familiar with the space your company is targeting. These are in some ways the very best types of Angels because to some degree they validate your idea. There investment is based on the Idea and there is little emotion around the table (always good). If you can get them onboard they can open doors into partner relationships and just generally good advice. You will spend most of your time convincing the Idea Investor that you and team are the right people to attack this problem (as they likely don't have a strong relationship with you or the team). Often an influential Idea Investor makes a good early board member for the company.[1]
The Once Removed Investor
The Once Removed Investor is likely connected through a personal or professional relationship with either the Relationship Investor or the Idea Investor. They likely don't know you, and they likely don't have a clue if your idea is good or bad but they have translated the trust in the investment to the person they know. This is a great way to get additional Angel Investors onboard, but without a solid Relationship Investor or Idea Investor it just isn't going to happen.[1]
