Who are angel investors? How are they different from Venture Capitalists?

India now has the merit of being the third biggest start-up ecosystem in the world having more than 90,000 startups in 2023. What is the key ingredient for a successful start-up? You would say a unique and groundbreaking business idea. While this is true, if you do not have funds to back your business venture, you may not be successful or may take a long time to reach your destination. Therefore, capital requirements are one of the main components for a successful business venture and this is where angel investors and venture capitalists come into the picture. Are you among the lot that think they are the same category of investors, then this blog is for you. 

Check out this blog to learn the meaning of angel investors and venture capitalists and the basic differences between the two. 

Read More: What is angel tax? – Meaning, Exemptions, Penalties 

Who are angel investors?

Angel investors are individuals who provide financial support to startups and early-stage companies in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. These investors, often experienced entrepreneurs or professionals, use their personal funds to help promising businesses get off the ground. Angel investors not only provide capital but may also offer valuable mentorship, industry connections, and expertise to the startups they invest in. Their goal is to help these startups grow and succeed, with the potential for significant returns on their investments in the future.

Who are top angel investors in India?

Some of the top angel investors in India are Sachin Bansal (investments in Ather Energy and Bobble AI) , Binny Bansal (investments in Acko, Unacademy, etc), Aprameya Radhakrishna (investments in Evolved Foods, Pension Box, Zapkey, etc), Anupam Mittal (investments in GreyQuest, Snitch, Wealth42, etc) , Vijay Sekhar Sharma (investments in GoQii, Jimmy’s cocktails, Yoho, etc), Sanjay Mehta (Oyo, CoinDCX, etc) and more. 

How to find angel investors for investment in India?

Angel investors are individuals who invest their money into high-potential startups in return for equity. Those who are looking to raise money for their startups can reach out to angel networks such as Indian Angel Network, Mumbai Angels, Lead Angels, Chennai Angels, etc., or relevant industrialists for this. 

What is the minimum investment for angel investors?

 According to Angellist which operates through an Angel Fund structure, the minimum amount of investment to be provided by angel investors is Rs. 25,00,000 and they are required to have a minimum net worth of Rs. 2,00,00,000. 

Who are venture capitalists?

Venture capitalists (VCs) are individuals or firms that provide financial support to startups and early-stage companies with high growth potential. Venture Capitalists are investors who offer funding to entrepreneurs in exchange for an ownership stake or equity in the company. They typically seek out innovative and promising business ideas, often in the technology and innovation sectors. The goal of venture capitalists is to help these startups grow and succeed by providing not only financial capital but also expertise, guidance, and access to valuable networks. In return for their investment, VCs hope to acquire a significant portion of the business or a seat on the Board and achieve significant returns when the startups they’ve invested in become successful when eventually they go public or get acquired by larger companies.

Some of the popular venture capitalists in India are Accel Partners, Kalaari Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners,etc.

What are the key differences between angel investors and venture capitalists?

The key differences between angel investors and venture capitalists are. 

Category	Angel Investors	Venture Capitalists
Source of funding	Angel investors are often wealthy individuals or HNIs who use their personal funds to invest in businesses.	Venture Capitalists are often investment firms or persons who raise funds through multiple sources.
Stage of investment	They primarily invest in early-stage start-ups and through seed funding	Venture Capitalists invest across various stages of a start-up right from the seed stage to the growth stages.
Investment amount	The investible amount from angel investors is generally lower as compared to venture capitalists and reflects investment in individual capacity	Venture capitalists usually have access to larger amounts of funds as compared to angel investors as they have a pool of funds from various sources like insurance companies, corporations, trusts, foundations, etc. to make their investments
Ownership stake	Angel investors often have smaller ownership stakes in the business.	Venture Capitalists have a bigger skin in the game and may acquire substantial ownership in the business.
Involvement	Angel investors have a more hands-on involvement in the business and may provide mentorship and advice to the business as well	Venturer Capitalists provide strategic guidance, networks, and industry expertise
Portfolio Size	Angel investors invest in a limited number of start-ups due to their personal capacity of investments	Venture Capitalists have a diversified portfolio with multiple investments across various industries and sectors.
Risk Tolerance	Angel investors have a higher risk tolerance due to personal investment as compared to venture capitalists.	Venture Capitalists have moderate to higher risk tolerance due to the diversified portfolio approach.
Exit Strategy	Angel investors have a short-term investment approach and have flexible exit strategies based on their individual investment goals and risk tolerance.	Venture capitalists have a long-term investment approach and more defined exit strategies which often involve IPOs or acquisitions by other larger companies.
Industry Focus	Angel investors have diverse industry interests which often span across multiple sectors.	Venture capitalists often specialize in specific sectors or industries of expertise

How are angel investors and venture capitalists similar?

Angel investors and venture capitalists share common ground in their fundamental purpose of providing essential financial backing to startups and nascent businesses. This shared objective revolves around nurturing the growth and development of these companies, with the ultimate goal of fostering success in the market. Angel investors and venture capitalists play a pivotal role by injecting much-needed capital into these early-stage enterprises and recognising the potential for substantial returns on their investments, which motivates their engagement with these startups. 

Much like venture capitalists, angel investors actively seek out promising opportunities in the market. They bring not only financial resources but also their industry insights, expertise, and valuable networks to the table. By doing so, they contribute significantly to the growth trajectory of startups, providing guidance and mentorship that can be pivotal during the critical phases of a company’s journey.

Conclusion

Angel investors and venture capitalists are an essential part of the start-up ecosystem. While considering a selection between angel investors and venture capitalists it is important to consider the factors like risk tolerance and equity dilution and the quantum of funds needed in the business.

Also read

• What is Angel Tax – A Guide to Angel Tax
• What is seed money in business?
• PKH Ventures Limited IPO Withdrawn- Know Reason for Withdrawal