Angel Investor Websites?

[Jim Bremner]

Is there any?

I would like to find one.

Yes, I know of crowd funding but I have an idea that I think could be protected by a patent.

I would like to find a partner right now to work with over trying to fund the patent all on my own right now.

Last year was BRUTAL on my portfolio and a year ago I wouldn't need to look for outside cash. Today I need to.


Jim

[Joe Bob]

Had to look Angel Investor up, same as Venture Capitalists?

[nota]

kickstarter ?

[Jim Bremner]

I want to use some OPM (other peoples Money) to fund the patent. If I show it to the masses the Patent is VOID.

[Aggie93]

I started looking into angel investing and found a local "club." I have not attended yet, so I cannot help with how they operate. Here is one of the national associations for these clubs, you might be able to find a local one to pitch your patent to.

Find an Angel / Angel Capital Association

[Jim Bremner]

Thank you! 4 near me!

[Seabear]

Angel Investors usually come in to a start-up company prior to the Venture guys. Most companies that get funded by angels show some traction gaining customers/market. Getting funded for a patent idea can be difficult but there are a number of angel groups in every big metro area. The Anger Capital Association is the biggie for finding groups. Kieretsu groups are pretty common on the West Coast and have a pretty good network of clubs.
Good luck with this project, don't give up too much equity and be sure to look for industry gurus even if you don't get funded.

[Zeke]

American Invention?

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by Zeke

American Invention?

And can be made here by Americans. The volume of this item is made here. Merica! Heck yeah!


I would say at this time 80% of what's sold worldwide is here. but things are changing.

It's a better design of a garbage disposal.

6 players share one billion a year. no major changes in 50+ years. Mine is a big change and If mine is sitting on a shelf at a store there's a BIG difference in look.

[tadink]

network, network, network - that is the best way to find someone who will invest in you / your idea. NEVER pay to pitch your idea to any group - particularly Kieretsu Forum - which has a very poor reputation amongst anyone who has ever looked for investment.

there are a number of valid angel groups around, and if you were in NorCal I could point you in the right direction.

the patent process is Looooonnnnnnnggggggg and many times you will run out of money, patience, and investor interest if you wait for the patent to be granted (like 4 years?).

but you should file a provisional as soon as you can marshall your efforts. there is someone in your personal network who can advise you on how to go about this, and there are many many many people who have been down this path.

if you'd like someone to talk this thru with I'd be happy to lend an ear and provide some ideas on what steps to take. suggest you get a NonDisclosure Agreement in place with anyone you are going to share your idea with - it lets them know you are serious and if they don't sign, walk away. [note, this does not apply to VCs who never sign them]. drop me a PM and we can exchange contact info....

good luck with your idea, enjoy the journey wherever it takes you!

cheers
td

[Jim Bremner]

Thank you! network....yup that's why I posted this. Do you ever slum it and come down to socal?

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

And can be made her by Americans. The volume of this item is made here. Merica! Heck yeah!


I would say at this time 80% of what's sold worldwide is here. but things are changing.

It's a better design of a garbage disposal.

6 players share one billion a year. no major changes in 50+ years. Mine is a big change and If mine is sitting on a shelf at a store there's a BIG difference in look.

I was referring to the TV show. Perhaps I got the title wrong.

[Jim Bremner]

tell me about this show. I've seen shark tank. addicted to it by the way but I think that this is a better than take it to shark tank.

I could be wrong.

If I did it would be Kevin or Robert that would be the best for my product and mindset.

[techweenie]

There are angel groups in some communities. Getting an angel group investment takes a lot of work and a lot of time, and requires jumping through a lot of hoops. But some ideas get funding.

In your area, there's South Coast Angels and probably some others. 80% are a bunch of old cranky guys that made a lot of money at some point. Most like to meet, have a meal and pick apart people with ideas. But in the crowd, you might find one or two who would privately invest. Those are the ones you want.

Whatever field your invention is in, seek out people prominent in that field, especially those who've sold off equity and are likely to be bored with a 1% return.

As td suggested, networking is the second best tool you have. The first is your ability to project confidence and field questions around your target industry.

I've raised about $12 million in the past 9 years or so from VCs and angels alike. The questions and issues are the same for both, but the angel may not require the same return guarantees, liquidation preferences and insane equity leverage that a VC will demand.

Be aware, pursuing this type of investment is almost like running a second business.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by techweenie

Be aware, pursuing this type of investment is almost like running a second business.

Then the third business of managing their varied expectations. If your idea is "that good" I might look to avoid professional investors and get yourself a singular partner with deep pockets.

[nostatic]

Filing a provisional isn't that expensive. Your best bet (and one that you'll probably hear from investors) is family/friends to cover that expense (a couple of $K), then you can start shopping it. Lots of investors will rip off your idea in a heartbeat. Without IP protection in-place you might as well publish the design on the inter webs if you're going to show it to investors. imho, ymmv.

[Jim Bremner]

I have a meeting tomorrow with SCORE. Any words of wisdom?

JB

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

I have a meeting tomorrow with SCORE. Any words of wisdom?

JB

Presumably what they will tell you is likely obvious to you already: know your business plan in and out; have market information at the ready.

Most important thing they (should) tell you when you present to any potential investor -- relative, angel or VC -- is that the plan is secondary to the team. Investors put money in people with the faith they will adjust the plan as conditions require.

[Jim Bremner]

Went to SCORE tonight!

Guy thought that it was cool.He's sending me over to another guy who might have an angel.

SCORE Chapter 114