Why should I be an angel investor? Part 1

Angel investing is an alluring, challenging, exciting, and opaque endeavor. Our goal with this blog is to shed light on everything from why it’s important to angel invest to how to do it well. In this inaugural series we interviewed several angels about their motivations for investing in start-ups. Some of these angels are prominent and prolific while others are just getting started. Motivations range from pure financial returns and identifying an opportunity in the market to supporting the entrepreneurs who are building the next big thing. No matter the motivation, these individuals all love what they do.

My biggest motivator is feeling like I can, in a small way, support a growing idea in hopes of that idea turning into something grand and impactful. I’m also fascinated by the start-up ecosystem and entrepreneurs in general. Their discipline, propensity to navigate risk, and turn an idea into something tangible is something I deeply admire. I love that I can be a building block that supports an entrepreneur’s journey through angel investing.

• Carrie Hankey (@C_Hankey)

Angel investing provides such a great opportunity for individuals. It provides large upside (financial returns). The math and history show this. It provides advocacy for founders when they need it the most. Genuinely it provides the best way to help create what you want to see created in this world.

Entrepreneurs are seeking to solve the problems they see in the world, and your investment can enable that. I personally love it. One underappreciated aspect is as an angel investor you are educated daily by the most innovative problem solvers.

I think all major executives should evaluate angel investments (likely through a syndicate to save them time). At my firm we get to know each LP, its goals and preferences, and then match unique opportunities to invest alongside VCs in opportunities where passions and/or expertises align.

• Landon Ainge ( @landonainge ) ( @asyndicates )

Angel investing has always been a way for me to work with some of the brightest, hungriest, and scrappiest founders. These individuals and teams constantly inspire and educate me, especially first-time founders. I love watching their growth — from very early revenue to running and building actual companies. The hunger, tenacity, and persistence can be contagious. The opportunity to help them go further and faster is very rewarding. While there are some obvious financial rewards from angel investing (in a deliberate, diversified manner), many of the benefits come from the non-monetary returns. I’ve been lucky enough to invest and partner with some of the best founders, especially around the Mid-Atlantic region, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.

• Scott Garber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwventure/)

The Early Light Syndicate is a community of early stage investors that has joined together to leverage the network effects of our experience, perspectives, and connections. If you’re interested in joining the Early Light Syndicate or learning more about angel investing, please fill out our application form here.