Chapter 10

Angel investors vs venture capitalists

Angel investors and venture capitalists are alternative finance sources. What can they offer your business?

What is an angel investor?

  1. What are they? They’re people who invest their own money in exchange for a share of your business, but often also provide mentorship and advice. While some invest on their own, there are also groups – flocks – of angel investors who get together to invest in businesses.
  2. Who are they? They don’t have to be rich philanthropists with deep pockets – although that’s a bonus. They can be successful business people, who’ve been where you are, and can see the opportunities within your business. They might be experts in your industry or just people passionate about what you’re trying to achieve.
  3. When do you want them to appear? Angel investors usually come into your business at an early stage to help it get off the ground or take the next step after you’ve launched.
  4. Where do you find them? Angel investors are often found through good networking. Talk to others in your industry, your accountant, lawyer or business advisor, business development groups – even your customers. That guy who bought new bulldozer tracks from you yesterday might be the one with the golden pockets.
  5. Why do they get involved? They’re not doing this for love alone – they’re investing to make a return. They might be patient and willing to invest long-term but many of them like to cash out after a few years and that may involve selling the business. Be sure this is the type of funding you want before you find yourself saying goodbye to a chunk of your dream.

What is a venture capitalist?

  1. What are they? They’re professional investors using other people’s money (and maybe some of their own) to take a share in your business. They generally take a much bigger share than an angel investor. They’re looking for well managed businesses with a competitive advantage, that look like they could quickly grow enormously. As a result, it’s not easy to get them onboard.
  2. Who are they? They’re hard-core investors so be sure you’re ready for what they expect from you and where they want to take your business. Do your homework on them before approaching to make sure your business fits with their interests and when and how they like to invest. Your business is probably just one of many they’re investing in.
  3. When do you want them to appear? Venture capitalists (VCs) tend to come in at a slightly later stage than angel investors – once your business is ready to scale up and really take off.
  4. Where do you find them? Venture capitalists might find you if your business has been successful – and especially if you have an innovative product that promises to be a real money generator. While you can find them listed online, the best option is to get an introduction through an angel investor, business advisor, lawyer, accountant, or other industry source.
  5. Why do they get involved? VCs want to be actively involved in the business. They may join the board and will want some say in the direction you’re taking. Ideally, they want to see your business become a corporate. They’re all about making a substantial return on their investment. They’re putting other people’s money into it, after all. And they could be investing millions of dollars.

How to get angels and VCs onboard

Read our chapter on pitching for business funding to get an idea of the information you’ll need to share with an angel investor or venture capitalist.

Disclaimer

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

How to finance your business

Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.

  1. What is business finance?

    Your new business idea is ready to go. Now you need to find the right small business funding. But where do you start?

  2. How much business funding do you need?

    Knowing how much money you need will help you choose the right type of finance. These tips will help you find a number.

  3. Debt versus equity finance

    Most forms of funding fall into one of two camps. Let’s look at the main pros and cons of debt versus equity.

  4. Main types of finance

    It takes money to make money. So what sort of finance options are there? Here are the types that fund most businesses.

  5. How to get a business loan

    Getting a business loan is still one of the most common ways to finance a business. So let’s look at how to get one.

  6. Peer-to-peer lending

    Peer-to-peer lending is an alternative method of getting a business loan. How does it work?

  7. Friends and family loans

    Friends and family loans may be available when other types of finance aren’t, but they do require some precautions.

  8. Invoice financing

    Ever thought your cash flow would be better if everyone just paid what they owed you? Well, you may not have to wait.

  9. How to find investors

    How do you find investors for equity financing? Let’s look at what types there are and where to locate them.

  10. Angel investors versus venture capitalists

    Angel investors and venture capitalists are alternative finance sources. What can they offer your business?

  11. How crowdfunding works

    Crowdfunding can get you money to build a business, and the attention to build a customer base.

  12. Small business grants

    Grants are a great funding option for some businesses. They can be a lot of work to get, but the reward is free money.

  13. Pitching for business funding

    Seeking business funding is a major step but you needn’t be daunted. Here’s how to pitch your business.

  14. Tools and guides for your business

    Now that you’re in business, you want to stay there. Xero’s got resources and solutions to help.

Download the guide to financing your business

Your intro to the different types of finance, including their pros and cons. Fill out the form to receive our finance guide as a PDF.

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