What is an Angel Investor?

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.

What is an Angel Group?

Angel investor groups vary in structure, from formal to informal. Formal groups follow strict participation requirements that guide members’ minimum investment activity and event attendance. Some groups pool members’ capital to make investments on the group’s behalf, while others allow individual members to invest in specific deals of interest.

What do you look for in companies?

We invest in companies that offer exceptional opportunities for high returns on investment. This usually implies companies with the potential to achieve high growth, strong market position, and sustainable advantages. We generally invest in companies that we believe have the potential to grow to more than $30 million in annual revenue within five years. This should be in either a developing market or in an existing market with national scope.

How can I submit a business plan?

Because of the volume of plans received, SeedStep Angels only accepts applications electronically through the How To Apply section of the site.