Your first raise
Most startups have to raise small investment rounds before they’re able to get enough traction to raise the big bucks, and this is what angel investors can help you with.
If you’ve exhausted your list of family and friends, who often make the best angels, you should check out the resources we’ve compiled below.
It’s also worth checking your eligibility for SEIS / EIS investment. This provides massive tax savings for your investors and as a result makes you a much more attractive proposition! Gov – Investment Schemes
Finding Angel Investors (£10k – £800k)
Your best bet is to start with your own network to find angel investors – who do you know that might be interested in your proposition? Who do they know? Remember that angel investors might work independently or as part of a group or syndicate.
- You can search the directory of angel groups on the UKBAA website. You might want to consider Angel List too.
- You could research your peers and competitors via startup directories (Crunchbase, Owler, Open Corporates) to see who has funded them. You could also take a look at their board of directors.
- You can join an incubator or accelerator – these organisations usually have their own little black book of investors and will be able to help you become ‘pitch ready’ and ‘investor ready.’
Local Groups and Syndicates:
Bristol Private Equity Club – BPEC is the only angel group in Bristol at the moment. They see c. 20 investment opportunities each year and you can message them directly to enquire whether they would be interested in your proposition. They also have access to a £10m co-investment fund for the South West via Newable.
Michelmores Mainstream – a network for business angel investors, has been established by Michelmores, and is registered with the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA).
Inclusive Angels – set up by two founders who believe passionately about business, equitable access to finance, learning from others and sharing our knowledge. Inclusive Angels is a growing network of angels, investing inclusively in the South West.
Dorset Business Angels – https://dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk/
Other active angel groups/funds locally include:
You could also research ‘family offices’ that may be interested in your sector.