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A few ppl asked me how I started angel investing
To date, I’ve invested in 15 startups alongside investors like PG, Founders Fund, Accel, Bessemer, Tribe, Joi Ito, etc.
For some background, from 2010 to 2019, I just spent building, learning, and always choosing adventure. https://twitter.com/harshamohan_/status/1357091033146920961
To date, I’ve invested in 15 startups alongside investors like PG, Founders Fund, Accel, Bessemer, Tribe, Joi Ito, etc.
For some background, from 2010 to 2019, I just spent building, learning, and always choosing adventure. https://twitter.com/harshamohan_/status/1357091033146920961
In that period, I worked at McDonalds, sold 2 companies, worked at McKinsey, Microsoft, Shopify, etc.
I was a burger flipper, founder, operator, software eng, and PM.
The only thing I knew was I wanted to succeed as bad as I wanted to breathe.
I was a burger flipper, founder, operator, software eng, and PM.
The only thing I knew was I wanted to succeed as bad as I wanted to breathe.
Step 0: Rationale
Once I had some money, I wanted to find other people like me that were roaches (hence, @RoachCap).
If I could increase their odds of success by even 2%, that’s the vote I’d make with my dollars.
Figure out your true reasons for being an angel
Once I had some money, I wanted to find other people like me that were roaches (hence, @RoachCap).
If I could increase their odds of success by even 2%, that’s the vote I’d make with my dollars.
Figure out your true reasons for being an angel
Step 1: Help
After Shopify, I spent time talking to friends building stuff. Then friends of friends, and so on.
I did my best to help with product or strategy, hiring, finding customers, or just being a friend.
Founders are under stress. Angels are friends who also invest.
After Shopify, I spent time talking to friends building stuff. Then friends of friends, and so on.
I did my best to help with product or strategy, hiring, finding customers, or just being a friend.
Founders are under stress. Angels are friends who also invest.
Step 2: Edge
What do you bring to the table that’s unique beyond just money?
Being a supportive, helpful friend is one.
My edge:
- few active operator angels in Toronto
- my background
- speed (yes/no within 24 hrs)
- transparency (what i like or think is suspect) https://twitter.com/vinojeya/status/1291668404340813825
What do you bring to the table that’s unique beyond just money?
Being a supportive, helpful friend is one.
My edge:
- few active operator angels in Toronto
- my background
- speed (yes/no within 24 hrs)
- transparency (what i like or think is suspect) https://twitter.com/vinojeya/status/1291668404340813825
Step 3: Dealflow
You have to let people know what you’re offering in an authentic, tasteful way.
Think of it as distribution channels.
The ones I use:
- Word of mouth (best)
- Entrepreneurship stuff on Twitter
- Partner with funds and other angels
- YouTube (soon) https://twitter.com/chrisgrouchy/status/1349066306914545668
You have to let people know what you’re offering in an authentic, tasteful way.
Think of it as distribution channels.
The ones I use:
- Word of mouth (best)
- Entrepreneurship stuff on Twitter
- Partner with funds and other angels
- YouTube (soon) https://twitter.com/chrisgrouchy/status/1349066306914545668
Step 4: Logistics
Decide and ask to invest. Sometimes I meet, sometimes it’s just an email or DM.
Amount depends, I do 10-25K typically
Sign docs, wire funds, and go back to Step 1.
Decide and ask to invest. Sometimes I meet, sometimes it’s just an email or DM.
Amount depends, I do 10-25K typically
Sign docs, wire funds, and go back to Step 1.
Bonus pro tip:
You do have to ask “Can I invest X when you’re raising?” of “I’m in for Y”.
I missed out the very first time I liked a company because I didn’t know how to ask. https://twitter.com/fahdananta/status/1355515994828120065
You do have to ask “Can I invest X when you’re raising?” of “I’m in for Y”.
I missed out the very first time I liked a company because I didn’t know how to ask. https://twitter.com/fahdananta/status/1355515994828120065
