Angel
Investment

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Angel
Investment

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What is an Angel Investor?

An Angel Investor is someone who invests their own money in a small business in exchange for a minority stake (usually between 10% and 25%). They tend to be entrepreneurs or people with extensive experience in the business world.

However, Angel Investment is about more than just money. Angels offer mentoring and support, and businesses that receive investment will generally benefit from the investor’s time, skills, contacts and business knowledge.

Angels take a hands-on approach. They will spend lots of time with the entrepreneur and help to push the business forward. It’s crucial that the Angel and the entrepreneur have a strong relationship, as they’ll typically spend at least five years working together closely.

Key requirement

You need to be clear about how you’re going to grow your business

Key benefit

You will form a close relationship with an experienced mentor, who will champion your business in their networks

Key consideration

Make sure you and the Angel have the same short-term and long-term goals for the business

“An Angel should be a trusted point of contact. They could be just a sounding board or even serve as a non-executive director. They’ll guide the entrepreneur and help steer the business towards growth and success.”

Quote logo Rod Beer Managing Director, UK Business Angels Association

Who’s involved with Angel Investment?

Syndicate

Angels can invest alone, but usually they invest together as a syndicate. This is when a number of Angels work together to pool their money and experience.

Lead Angel

When a syndicate invests in a business, the Lead Angel is the person who co-ordinates the investment deal. The Lead Angel will also have the most contact with the business after the deal. They can act as an adviser or even as a non-executive director.

The Angel CoFundLink opens in a new window, a delivery partner of the British Business Bank, provides larger sums of money than syndicates can usually afford.

What are the regulations around Angel Investment?

Angel Investment regulations control the way businesses seek investment and make sure the investor is genuine and certified. Here are the two main regulations you should be aware of:

1.    EIS and SEIS

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)Link opens in a new window and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)Link opens in a new window give Angels generous tax breaks. By making investing less risky for investors, the schemes help businesses grow.

Under EIS, Angels cannot take more than a 30% share of a business, which makes sure that entrepreneurs stay in control and incentivised.

2.     FSMA

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates Angel Investment. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) states that Angels should self-certify as a High Net Worth or a Sophisticated Investor. This means they are suitable to receive business plans and invest in businesses.

“Anything can happen to a business along its journey. So, making money isn’t the primary motivation for Angels – or they just wouldn’t do it. It’s as much about being a part of the entrepreneurial journey and seeing the success of a business that you backed.”

Quote logo Jenny Tooth Angel Investor and CEO, UK Business Angels Association

Benefits of Angel Investment

Expert mentoring

Angels offer strategic, financial and sector-related advice to help achieve growth.

Retain control

Angels typically take a 10% to 25% share of a business, which leaves the entrepreneur firmly in control.

Validation

Angel Investment can give a business credibility for later rounds of investment (from VCsLink opens in a new window, for example).

Risks of Angel Investment

No promise of growth

There is no guarantee that your business will achieve growth as a result of the investment and the Angel’s involvement.

Is Angel Investment right for me?

About your business

Business stageGenerally early stage, pre-revenue or pre-profit
Annual turnover Less than £5 million
SectorsAll sectors, but especially suitable for companies with a scalable business proposition
Regions All regions

About Angel Investment

Key benefitA passionate and knowledgeable partner, committed to your business’ success
Purpose of financeWorking capital, product development, entry into new markets, build teams, increase sales
Amount of financeUsually £15,000 to £500,000, but large syndicates may offer up to £2 million
Duration of financeTypically 3–8 years
Cost of financeNone
Time to finance2–6 months

Key things to consider

  • Equity You’re giving away a small share of your business, so make sure you understand the terms and are comfortable about what you’re getting in return.
  • Long-term picture You may have to ask for some more money later so it’s important to be transparent about how many funding rounds you might need.
  • Eligibility for EIS If you’re looking at EIS tax breaks, make sure you’re eligible before you speak to an Angel.
  • Time Tracking down the right Angel or Angel syndicate can take time, so consider all of your options.

Advice from an Angel Investor

 
Jenny Tooth, Angel Investor and CEO, UK Business Angels Association

Unlike Venture Capitalists, Angels don’t go into weeks of research and analysis. I’ll decide quite quickly whether or not to invest in a business, based on the following:

  • Personal connection

Do we get on? Are we going to be able to spend the next eight years together? Do you have a story I can engage with? Can you accept my guidance?

  • Passion

Do you have the drive to see your plans through? Are you committed to your business?

  • Honesty

Are you being transparent with me about your story and your numbers?

  • Understanding

Do you know how much money you need and when you’re going to need it? Do you know what’s involved in the journey to grow your business?

  • Proof

Can you provide evidence of your financials, patents, customer loyalty, incorporation and market research?

“When you begin pitching for investment, I don’t know you yet, so you have to captivate me and capture my interest. Your story of why you set up this business is so important in your first approach.”

Quote logo Jenny Tooth Angel Investor and CEO, UK Business Angels Association

What do I need to know before I apply?

  • Angel Investment doesn’t happen overnight, so prepare to network and do your research. Take time to prepare your pitch.
  • It usually takes about six months from your first approach to the Angel to get finance.

What’s my next step?

Other finance options

Corporate Venture Capital
Equity
Corporate Venture Capital is an investment made by a large company into a smaller business, in return for a share of that business.
Is this suitable for your business?
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Expansion Capital
Equity
Expansion Capital firms give established businesses money to grow and reach maturity.
Is this suitable for your business?
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Equity Crowdfunding
Equity
Using an online platform, investors buy shares in a company to help it grow.
Is this suitable for your business?
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