Angel investors in NYC are a vital part of the city's thriving startup ecosystem. They provide much-needed funding to early-stage companies, helping them take off and grow.
The city is home to over 200 angel groups, each with its own unique focus and investment criteria. Some of the most prominent angel groups in NYC include the New York Angels and the NYC Venture Capital Association.
NYC's angel investors are known for their hands-on approach, often providing guidance and mentorship to the startups they invest in. This support can be invaluable to young companies trying to navigate the challenges of launching and growing a business.
Many angel investors in NYC have a strong network of connections and resources at their disposal, making it easier for them to identify and invest in promising startups.
Broaden your view: Venture Capitalists for Startups
Top NYC Investors
New York City is a hub for startup activity, and angel investors play a crucial role in fueling this growth.
New York City is filled with financial opportunities, but the angel investor groups below have taken a particular interest in the city’s startup scene.
You can find top angel investors in NYC by checking out lists like the one mentioned in the article.
Individual angel investors like those listed in the article are a great place to start your fundraising efforts.
To fill the top of your fundraising funnel, you can add qualified investors to your pipeline via cold and warm outreach, as the article suggests.
Angel investor firms in New York, such as those mentioned in the article, also write checks in startups across many stages and sectors.
These firms can be a valuable resource for startups looking for funding.
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Investment Profile
Angel investors in NYC are a crucial part of the startup ecosystem, but it's essential to understand their investment profile before reaching out. Angel investors bear extremely high risks and require a very high return on investment.
They often mitigate this risk by allocating less than 10% of their portfolio to angel investments. To achieve a high return, professional angel investors seek investments that can return at least ten or more times their original investment within 5 years.
A defined exit strategy, such as plans for an initial public offering or an acquisition, is key to achieving this return. The actual effective internal rate of return for a typical successful portfolio of angel investments is typically as low as 20–30%.
Here are some key statistics to keep in mind when considering angel investments:
Investor Firms
New York City is a hub for startup activity, and angel investor firms are playing a key role in supporting these businesses.
Individual angel investors are being joined by firms dedicated to angel investing, with several popular firms in New York.
These firms are writing checks in startups across various stages and sectors, providing a valuable resource for entrepreneurs in the city.
A different take: New York Angels
Box Group
Box Group is one of the top angel investors in NYC, taking a particular interest in the city's startup scene. They like being one of the first investors in any company they have their eye on. The firm has invested in some of the most successful companies in recent years, like Plaid, Airtable, and Ramp. BoxGroup wants entrepreneurs that look at the world differently and change how it functions with their help.
Tri State Ventures
Tri State Ventures is an angel investor firm that focuses on startups with a protected proprietary position in their market. They consider investments in various sectors, including healthcare, IT products and services, energy, and consumer products.
Their goal is to bridge the gap in funding for early-stage entrepreneurs, acknowledging that this stage is often lacking in resources.
Startups looking to be considered by Tri State Ventures should have a strong proprietary position in their market.
Past investments by the firm include healthcare, IT products and services, energy, and consumer products.
Here are some key areas that Tri State Ventures considers when evaluating startups:
- Startup Ideas
- Startup Basics
- Startup Leadership
- Startup Marketing
- Startup Funding
Arc Fund
ARC Fund is a member-led investment group that focuses on early-stage companies with high-growth potential. They invest in software, IT, internet, tech-enabled services, and digital media.
ARC Angel Fund allows its members to actively participate in funding rounds or personally invest alongside the fund.
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Source and Funding
Angel investors typically invest their own funds, unlike venture capitalists who manage pooled money from others. This can make angel investment more personal and reflective of the individual's investment judgment.
Although angel investors may use various entities such as trusts or limited liability companies to provide funding, the investment decision is usually made by an individual. A Harvard report found that angel-funded startups are more likely to succeed than companies reliant on other forms of initial financing.
Angel capital fills a gap in seed funding between "friends and family" rounds and more robust start-up financing through formal venture capital. This gap can be significant, as traditional venture capital funds often can't make or evaluate small investments under $1-2 million.
For another approach, see: Angel Group Funding
The combined value of all angel investments in the US almost reaches the combined value of all US venture capital funds, while angel investors invest in over 60 times as many companies as venture capital firms. In 2010, angel investors put in $20.1 billion into 61,900 companies, compared to $23.26 billion into 1,012 companies by venture capital firms.
Investments can range from a few thousand to a few million dollars, making angel investment a flexible option for startups.
For another approach, see: A16z Investment
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund is a family foundation established in 1940 with assets of over $3 billion, making it one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world.
They have a long history of supporting entrepreneurs and startups, with early investments in companies like Amazon and Google.
In recent years, the fund has invested in companies like Airbnb and Lyft, and is currently led by Managing Director Stephen Heintz, a former president of Dartmouth College and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
The fund has become one of the most active angel investors in New York City, making 27 investments in NYC-based startups in 2017, ranging from $50,000 to $1 million.
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Network
To network effectively and find angel investors in NYC, start by focusing on the angel investor network, which is a group of wealthy individuals who pool their money and resources to invest in early-stage companies.
One of the most active angel investor groups in NYC is the New York Angels, which has been around since 1997 and has invested over $100 million in more than 200 companies.
Attend startup events, meetups, and conferences to connect with other entrepreneurs and startup professionals, as this is a great way to get connected with the right people and eventually find the right angel investors for your business.
The Angel Capital Association is another national organization with a chapter in NYC that can connect you with angel investors in your area.
Networking is key, and it's essential to be proactive and put yourself out there to meet the right people and build relationships that can help your business succeed.
Here are some key organizations to consider when networking with angel investors in NYC:
- New York Angels
- Angel Capital Association
- TechStars accelerator
Remember, building relationships and networking takes time and effort, but it's a crucial step in finding the right angel investors for your business.
Investors
New York City is a hub for angel investors, with many groups and firms dedicated to supporting startups. The largest angel investor group in the city is the HBS Alumni Angels of Greater New York, with over 350 angel investors and over $20 million invested across 100 companies.
Alicia Syrett is an active angel investor, founder and CEO of Pantegrion Capital, and a member of several angel networks, including Golden Seeds and NY Angels. She has invested in several companies, including SureDone, BeautyBooked, and HeTexted.
Charles Smith invests in about eight startups per year, with investments ranging from $25k to $50k each. He looks for entrepreneurs who want to change the world, rather than just make a profit.
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HBS Alumni
HBS Alumni is a significant player in the angel investor scene. They have over 350 angel investors, which is a substantial network of individuals with a vested interest in supporting early-stage companies.
Their investment portfolio is impressive, with over $20 million invested across 100 different companies. This level of commitment to entrepreneurship is truly commendable.
The group's approach to investing is hands-on, with pitches being held in person. This personal touch allows for more meaningful connections between investors and entrepreneurs, which can be a game-changer for startups.
The
The "the" in investors' vocabulary is often overlooked, but it's a crucial word.
Investors use "the" to refer to a specific company, such as "the Apple stock has increased in value."
They also use it to describe a particular market trend, like "the market has been trending upward for the past quarter."
Investors often use "the" to specify a certain type of investment, for example, "the real estate market is booming."
Joanne Wilson
Joanne Wilson is a very active angel investor and advisor, especially for women looking to launch a startup. She has invested in a majority of female-founded companies, like Nestio, Lover.ly and DailyWorth.
Wilson encourages women to immerse themselves in family and work, and to push past the obstacles of being a woman in business and technology. She sits on the board of Hot Bread Kitchen, an organization that supports foreign-born and low-income women and men through a bakery project and training program.
She also sits on the board of Highline, a public park on the elevated rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. Wilson's investments and advisory work have made a significant impact on the New York tech startup community.
Intriguing read: How Do Angel Investors Work
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you pay an angel investor?
Angel investors typically invest between 10-40% of your business in exchange for ownership, depending on growth potential and investment terms. This investment can be a good fit if you're willing to give up part ownership for funding.
What percentage do angel investors want?
Angel investors typically want a significant equity stake, ranging from 10% to 50% of your company, in exchange for funding. This can potentially lead to loss of control over your business.
Are angel investors a good idea?
Angel investors offer a lower-risk funding option, as you're not responsible for repaying the investment, but instead, they receive equity in your business. This unique arrangement can be a good idea for entrepreneurs seeking financing, but it's essential to understand the terms and implications
How do I join an angel group?
To join an angel group, you'll typically need to demonstrate your commitment level and investment potential, after which you may be invited to pay a membership fee and attend meetings where entrepreneurs pitch for funding. Membership fees usually range from $1,000 to $1,000+ per year.
What is the difference between angel group and angel syndicate?
An angel syndicate is an informal network of individuals sharing investment deals, whereas an angel group is a professional organization working together to find and vet investment opportunities. Understanding the difference is key to navigating the world of startup investing.
Sources
- https://startupsavant.com/best-angel-investor-groups/nyc
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_investor
- https://visible.vc/blog/new-york-city-angel-investors/
- https://fastercapital.com/content/The-top-angel-groups-in-New-York-City.html
- https://www.alleywatch.com/2014/10/25-angel-investors-in-new-york-you-need-to-know/
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