Angel Profile
Angel investors are wealthy individuals who invest in high risk, early stage ventures by reserving a portion of their total investment portfolios to provide emerging companies with startup capital through direct, private investments. Their goal is to achieve higher returns than the typical public markets provide. Most angels are active investors – who contribute their time and experience, as well as offer introductions to valuable contacts essential to the company’s success – because they enjoy the thrill of helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. To maximize the value added, most angels specialize in industries or technologies they understand, and invest only in companies within close geographic proximity.
SSA strives to maintain a membership base with broad industry and functional experiences. All SSA Members qualify as “Accredited Investors” under Federal securities laws.
Angel Expectations
All angels invest with the anticipation of a substantial return; however, most angels:
Enjoy taking a role in the entrepreneurial process and acting as mentors to entrepreneurs;
Invest their own money regionally and in relatively smaller amounts per investment than do venture capitalist firms;
Maintain a diversified portfolio and take a long-term view of their investments;
Are committed to the long-term success of their portfolio companies and wish to remain involved with their portfolio;
Understand the role of angel investment within the early-stage investment economy and the potential risks and rewards of early-stage investing;
and Enjoy working with other intelligent angel investors to cooperatively vet deals, negotiate terms and provide value as investors.
Benefits
There are several benefits to being a part of an angel group:
First, angels receive access to quality investment opportunities.
Second, angels receive the opportunity to co-invest with highly qualified angel investors within their group and with other angels outside of their group through syndication.
Third, angels are able to network with other local accredited investors through educational and social events throughout the year.
If you are interested in learning more about SSA membership, please contact Ryan Cargill at rcargill@i2e.org.