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Angellist Fund offers a unique opportunity for startups to gain access to a large pool of investors and funding.
By joining the platform, startups can increase their visibility and credibility, making it easier to attract top talent and secure funding.
Startups can also receive feedback and guidance from experienced investors, helping them refine their business plans and strategies.
Investors, on the other hand, can diversify their portfolios by investing in a wide range of startups, reducing their risk and increasing potential returns.
Angellist Fund's platform also provides a secure and efficient way for investors to invest and manage their portfolios, streamlining the process and reducing administrative burdens.
What is AngelList?
AngelList is a platform that connects startup founders with investors, candidates, and incubators.
It was founded in 2010 as an online introduction board for tech startups that needed seed funding. The original “angel list” was simply a list of 25 investors with whom AngelList’s founders shared potential companies to invest in.
Today, the platform allows startups to increase visibility and raise capital with angel investors free of charge. Last year, AngelList closed a $25 million fund to back startups.
AngelList has also created a platform for job seekers, featuring over 35,000 recruiting companies, 2,000,000 candidates, and 5 million registered users on AngelList Jobs.
Benefits for Startups
AngelList has been a game-changer for startup founders, saving them a whopping $22 million in legal and admin fees.
The platform has also helped 190 unicorns get backed by AngelList funds and syndicates, which is a testament to its success.
AngelList has made significant inroads in various sectors, including Fintech, Healthtech, Web3, Biotech, and AI / ML, which are some of the most active sectors on the platform.
Here are some key benefits of using AngelList for startups:
- Founders have saved $22 million in legal and admin fees
- 190 unicorns are backed by AngelList funds and syndicates
- The platform’s most active sectors include Fintech, Healthtech, Web3, Biotech, AI / ML
By using AngelList, startup founders can access venture funds that might have been out of their reach otherwise, helping to level the playing field and give more startups a chance to succeed.
Angel Investing
Angel investing is a high-risk, high-reward investment class where individuals invest in early-stage startups in exchange for equity or convertible notes. The average amount invested by individual angels is $25K, with a wide range of $5K to $100K.
AngelList, a platform launched in 2011, allowed "normal people" to invest directly in startups, but still required investors to be accredited, meaning well-off but not necessarily wealthy. This platform has since expanded to offer various services.
Angel investing has a skewed risk/return profile compared to venture capital, with the majority of companies failing, but the potential for a high overall return if one investment becomes successful.
Angel Investing
Angel investing traditionally involves wealthy individuals investing in early-stage startups with a high risk of failure, in exchange for equity or convertible notes.
The average amount invested by individual angels is quite wide, ranging from $5K to $100K, but the median is a more reasonable $25K.
AngelList changed the game by allowing "normal people" to invest directly in startups, although you still had to be an accredited investor.
This platform also allowed startups to raise money via crowdfunding instead of traditional routes like friends and family, or wealthy individuals and VCs.
AngelList has since expanded to offer job boards, social networking, recruiting, and promotions for new products and services.
Launches Rolling Venture Fund for New VCs
One of the most exciting developments in angel investing is the launch of a rolling venture fund for new VCs. This fund is designed to support the next generation of venture capitalists.
It's backed by a group of experienced investors who are committed to helping new VCs get off the ground. They're providing a total of $10 million in funding to support the launch.
The fund is focused on supporting new VCs who are looking to launch their own firms. This is a great opportunity for young and ambitious investors to get the support they need to succeed.
The fund's backers have a strong track record of success in the venture capital industry. They've invested in a number of successful startups and have a deep understanding of what it takes to be a successful VC.
New VCs who receive funding through this program will have access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and other resources to help them launch and grow their firms.
Fund Performance
AngelList Fund Performance is reported to be around a 15% IRR and 2.1x multiple according to the platform, but these numbers include unrealized gains.
The platform itself notes that early-stage startups can take 10-15 years to exit, making it tough to judge real performance until 2025 or 2030.
AngelList has an "Access Fund" that lets you invest in a broad startup portfolio they select, with reported performance data for their past Access and Select funds.
Here are some key points about AngelList's fund performance data:
- TVPI and IRR include unrealized gains.
- This is fund-wide data for a huge portfolio, and you're unlikely to see similar numbers if you put smaller amounts of money into individual companies.
- The minimum investment for these funds is usually over $100K.
Fund Performance
AngelList Fund Performance is a complex topic, and it's essential to understand the numbers behind it. The platform reports a ~15% IRR and 2.1x multiple, but these numbers include unrealized gains, so take them with a grain of salt.
The performance data for AngelList's Access and Select funds is reported, but it's crucial to note that these are fund-wide numbers for a huge portfolio. You're unlikely to see similar numbers if you put smaller amounts of money into individual companies.
The minimum investment for these funds is usually over $100K, which can be a barrier for many investors. This highlights the importance of understanding the minimum investment requirements before investing.
TVPI and IRR include unrealized gains, which can vary widely. This is especially true for the "residual value" of the fund, which estimates can vary greatly.
Here's a summary of the key points to keep in mind when evaluating fund performance:
- TVPI and IRR include unrealized gains.
- Fund-wide data may not reflect individual company performance.
- Minimum investment requirements can be high.
- Residual value estimates can vary widely.
It's also essential to consider the time frame for judging real performance. Some early-stage startups need 10-15 years to exit, so it will be tough to judge real performance until 2025 or 2030.
Rare Capital at $4B Valuation
AngelList Venture has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Tiger and Accomplice, valuing the company at $4 billion. This is a significant milestone for the company, which has been operating for seven years without a financing round.
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The fresh capital will be used to support the company's growth, as it has been experiencing a massive launch spree, beefing up its founder-focused services through various initiatives. AngelList Venture supported 11,300 startup investments last year, a significant increase from 3,800 the year prior.
CEO Avlok Kohli has stated that the company has intentionally kept its headcount small to limit red tape and prioritize a high employee-to-impact ratio. This approach has allowed the company to maintain a high shipping velocity and focus on shipping great products.
AngelList Venture has grown to hold $10 billion in assets, up from $3 billion the year prior, and has been adding more capital as it supports more capital. The company has also been exploring new opportunities, including potential acquisitions, although talks have not progressed to a serious point.
The Good
AngelList's platform offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for investors.
One of the advantages is that you can find some companies on AngelList that would be impossible to back outside the platform.
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Your capital stays locked up for years, which can be a positive thing, as it forces you to stick to a plan and avoid buying and selling at the wrong times.
You can also help portfolio companies, especially if you participate in follow-on rounds, which may ask for assistance with hiring, business development, marketing, and more.
The minimum investment for individual deals is relatively low, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per deal, depending on the syndicate.
AngelList does a good job vetting deals, making it easier to find well-vetted companies, even if many of them will still fail.
The platform also offers an "Investor Dashboard" that displays your overall portfolio value, multiple, and IRR, making it easier to track your investments in one spot.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering investing through AngelList, it's essential to meet certain conditions. You should have at least 5-10 years of full-time work experience in a high-paying job, and a substantial portfolio in traditional asset classes.
To make the most of the platform, it's recommended to allocate a small amount, around 5-10%, to funds on AngelList, rather than individual companies. This allows you to diversify your portfolio and reduce risk.
However, with the recent increase in minimum investment amounts in funds, it's become more challenging to follow this strategy. As a result, investing in active syndicates and allocating small amounts to their deals consistently might be a better approach.
This way, you can end up with dozens or hundreds of companies in your portfolio, which can be beneficial for long-term growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AngelList rolling fund?
An AngelList rolling fund is a type of investment vehicle that allows fund managers to share deal flow with investors on a quarterly basis, while also simplifying the calculation of carried interest. It's a flexible and subscription-based way for investors to access private investment opportunities.
Can you invest on AngelList?
To invest on AngelList, you must be an accredited investor who has been approved for investment. Approval is required to participate in AngelList investments.
Do people still use AngelList?
Yes, people still use AngelList, but its popularity has evolved over time. It remains a relevant platform for syndicates and startups.
What is the AngelList systematic fund of funds?
AngelList Systematic Fund of Funds is a fund that invests in multiple venture capital funds, managed by WellFound. It's a diversified investment approach that pools resources to support early-stage startups.
Sources
- https://mergersandinquisitions.com/angellist-review/
- https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/22/angellist-just-closed-a-25m-fund-to-back-startups-based-on-hiring-velocity/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkonrad/2020/02/05/angellist-launches-rolling-venture-fund/
- https://foundersnetwork.com/blog/how-to-attract-angellist-investors/
- https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/08/angellist-series-c/
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