One of the most common questions we get at the Angel Investing School is:
“Where can I find great entrepreneurs to invest in?”
Generating qualitative deal flow as a beginner angel investor in the UK can be daunting at first but building qualitative deal flow is the most important component if you want to become a prolific angel investor. Here’s a step-by-step guide along with examples of groups, syndicates, and communities in the UK that you can join to build out your deal flow:
Build Your Network
Networking is crucial in the startup ecosystem. Attend events, conferences, and meetups to connect with founders, fellow investors, and other stakeholders. Some examples of events and organizations include:
- Angel Investing School: When you join the Angel Investing School you get access to a vast network of diverse angel investors who operate in all types of industries.
- UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA): A national trade association that connects investors with startups and provides resources for angel investors.
- Tech events: Attend tech and startup-focused events like TechCrunch Disrupt, Startup Grind, or London Tech Week.
- London Angel Club: London Angel Club is a network that brings together angel investors and early-stage startups. They host events and provide networking opportunities.
- Angels in MedCity: This network focuses on connecting angel investors with life sciences and healthcare startups in the London and Southeast areas.
- Angels4Women: Angels4Women is a network that supports women entrepreneurs and angel investors. It offers events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- StartupGrind: A global startup, investors and founders community.
- FemaleFunders: Our mission is to increase diversity in the investment and tech ecosystems by empowering female leaders to become investors.
Above are only listed a few networks you can join to build out your deal flow. Make sure before joining a community or a network to define your investment thesis and criteria first so you can later join the right community, which will give you access to the right deal flow.
Online Platforms:
Leverage online platforms that connect investors with startups seeking funding. Some popular platforms include:
- Seedrs: A leading equity crowdfunding platform based in the UK that allows you to invest in startups online.
- Crowdcube: Another UK-based equity crowdfunding platform with a focus on early-stage startups.
- Angel Investment Network: We bring together businesses looking for investment and investors with the capital, contacts and knowledge to help them succeed.
Join Angel Groups and Syndicates:
Angel groups and syndicates pool resources and expertise to invest in startups collectively. There are numerous syndicates so make sure you identify and join the right ones based on your investment thesis, interests and experience. Examples include:
- Green Angel Syndicate: A syndicate that invests in companies whose radical grassroots innovations fight climate change.
- HERmesa: A community of angels who invest in female founders.
- Alma Angels: Alma Angels is a unique investors community who are united by their passion to back ambitious women founders building tech-enabled, or IP-rich ventures
- Angels Den: A well-known angel network in the UK that connects startups with investors through pitching events and online platforms.
- SyndicateRoom: A platform that allows individual investors to co-invest alongside experienced angels.
- Science Angel Syndicate: We are a community of entrepreneurs and investors who source world-class scientific discoveries that impact society on a global scale.
Accelerators and Incubators
Many startup accelerators and incubators host demo days where startups pitch their ideas. Attend these events to discover potential investment opportunities.
- Y Combinator (YC) Demo Day London: Y Combinator, a renowned accelerator, often hosts demo days in London featuring startups from around the world.
- Techstars London: Techstars is a global accelerator that operates in London as well. They run a three-month program that culminates in a demo day where startups pitch to investors.
- Founders Factory: Founders Factory is both an accelerator and a venture studio that supports early-stage startups. They provide funding, resources, and expertise to help startups grow.
- Level39: Level39 is Europe’s largest technology accelerator space based in Canary Wharf, London. It focuses on fintech, cybersecurity, and smart city technology startups.
- London Tech Week: London Tech Week is an annual event that showcases the city’s technology ecosystem. It includes various events, conferences, and opportunities to connect with startups.
- Pitch@Palace: Pitch@Palace, founded by the Duke of York, connects startups with potential investors and mentors. They host regular events where startups present their ideas.
- Entrepreneur First: Entrepreneur First is an international talent investor, which supports individuals in building technology companies.
- Techstars: A 3-month accelerator to gain funding, mentorship, and access to the Techstars network
- Zinc: A 12-month platform that exists to build brand-new companies that tackle the biggest social challenges across the globe.
Remember that building a quality deal flow takes time. It’s essential to approach investments with due diligence and a long-term perspective. As you gain experience and reputation, your network and deal flow will naturally expand.
In the meantime let us know what other communities, syndicates and networks are out there to help build out angel investors their deal flow!