Definition
An angel investor is an individual who provides capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. Angel investors are typically affluent individuals or groups that provide capital to new or emerging businesses, usually at an early stage of development, in exchange for an equity stake.
In the room
How the word shows up in a real conversation.
Angel investors typically provide the seed money for a business venture and may also provide guidance and mentorship to the business owner(s).
John is a tech-savvy entrepreneur who is passionate about innovating and creating new technologies. Despite his ambitious ambitions, he lacks the resources to make his revolutionary product a reality and bring it to the world.
Through networking and research, John identified Jane as a potential angel investor. She is an accomplished entrepreneur and investor with an enthusiasm for new, cutting-edge technologies.
John presented his concept to Jane, who was impressed with the venture's prospects and the enthusiasm of John's team. Consequently, she agreed to invest $500,000 in John's new business in exchange for part ownership of the company.
Jane's financial support enabled John to hire a team of engineers & designers to aid in the production of his product. Moreover, she furnished him with invaluable advice and mentorship for confronting the difficulties that come with launching a business.
Jane's financial and guidance assistance enabled John to experience massive progress within a short timespan. Consequently, the product garnered substantial attention from its users while additional investments were acquired by John from external sources.
In this scenario, the angel investor helped John's startup to get off the ground, offering him both capital and mentorship. This angel investor was essential to success of the business, as they were able to give John the necessary money & advice to overcome the difficulties of launching a company.
Common mistake
Using Angel-investor as a label instead of a fact. If you cannot point to the evidence — a number, a customer, or a written assumption — you are using the word as jargon.
See also
SAFE
A YC-style agreement to invest now and receive equity later, usually at a priced round.
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Convertible note
A short-term loan that converts into equity at a later priced round.
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Term sheet
A non-binding outline of the deal: price, ownership, and the rights that matter.
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Cap table
The ledger of who owns the company: shares, options, and what converts later.
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