Finding an Angel Investor in a Day. Joseph R Bell

      Step 1:

      What an Angel Investor Will Do for You

      QUICKTIP

      Wanted: Entrepreneurs

      If you’re wondering whether there’s an angel investor for your business, it’s helpful to know there’s a booming market in private investing. More than $23 billion was invested by U.S. angels in approximately 49,500 start-up businesses in 2005 according to the Center for Venture Research. On average, an individual angel invests $25,000 to $100,000 in a promising company.

      You have a great business idea. Perhaps you’ve invented a process that will revolutionize the dry cleaning industry, you’ve created a device that pet owners will find indispensable, or you’ve developed a software program that reduces home energy consumption. You’ve already written a business plan, researched the market, and assembled at least the beginning of a team. You may have designed a prototype or developed the product or service. You may even have reached the stage of attracting your first paying customers.

      Your business is on the launch pad, ready for the countdown. All you need now is money to help your company take off and grow.

      That’s where an angel investor comes in. Angel investors are private individuals with money who are actively looking for opportunities to invest in promising young businesses like yours—companies founded on sound business ideas, which are likely to show significant, sustainable growth over the next three to seven years.

      The best angel investors not only have money; they also have business and technical expertise, and contacts, and they will provide you with ongoing support. Find the right angel investor and you will not only receive the funds you need, you’ll gain a valuable business partner.