Is Venture Investing Right for You?

Guest article by Blaire Martin:

Investors around the world are allocating a percent of their assets into early-stage companies in order to access opportunities for exceptional returns. “Angel investing is a legitimate part of an alternative asset class investment portfolio,” says David S. Rose, founder and chairman emeritus of New York Angels, in his new book, Angel Investing: The Gust Guide to Making Money and Having Fun Investing in Startups. “A rational person can be an investor and not a gambler.” In the book, Rose explains that more people can and should become angel investors and that a few big wins make up for all the losses.

study by Wiltbank and Boeker estimates that the average return on venture investing by sophisticated angel groups is 27% IRR or 2.6 times the investment in about 3.5 years. Research shows that investing in multiple seed and startup companies is a key angel strategy. Many sources agree that a portfolio of 10-12 angel deals is adequate diversification to assure a reasonable ROI and that 6 or less angel investments is too risky. Investors can create a portfolio of investments by picking deals in FAN’s pipeline or by venture investing into a cross-collateralized fund.

Joining a sophisticated angel group is very helpful for investors interested in breaking into angel investing. Benefits often include: access to quality deal flow, collaborating with diverse investors and subject-matter experts, and assistance with due diligence, investment paperwork, and post-investment monitoring and support. Angel groups also encourage venture investing best practices and promote angel education from sources like the Angel Capital Association and the Angel Resource Institute.

There are many reasons that accredited investors write checks for angel investments. The possibility of getting in early with a company like WhatsApp excites investors looking for higher returns than possible with more traditional investments. Many investors also want to be significant in the lives of entrepreneurs with high potential ventures; angel investing is a way to incite opportunities with mentorship, networking connections, and capital. It may feel like philanthropy, but when done systematically through a sophisticated channel, it is a valid way to invest while giving back in your community, with an added benefit of upside potential.

The Florida Angel Nexus (FAN) is a statewide initiative to unite Florida’s investment community. FAN’s mission is to offer a disciplined and rewarding investment approach for Florida’s accredited investors. Investors are joining existing and newly formed angel chapters and funds across the state. These investors are exposed to exciting new technologies and startups; they enjoy meeting to discuss these investment opportunities and evolving markets. Membership is very diverse, from realtors to serial entrepreneurs, doctors to accountants. All accredited investors are welcome.

The UCF Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provided the leadership and resources to research and launch FAN. Key supporters include: UCF, Florida High Tech Corridor, Florida Institute of Commercialization of Public Research, Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, Gray Robinson, and BioFlorida.

Blaire is the founder of Florida Angel Nexus. Interested parties can contact FAN for more information at www.FloridaAngelNexus.com or blaire@FloridaAngelNexus.com.

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