Venture capitalists and angel investors are two different sources of funding for early-stage companies. While both provide capital for an initial investment, they have key differences in terms of investment size, level of involvement, and the stage of the business they typically target.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for entrepreneurs seeking to raise capital, as it can significantly impact their business trajectory and long-term success. In this article, you'll find some differences as well as pros and cons from each of them. Keep reading!

What is a venture capitalist?

A venture capitalist is an investor who provides funds for early-stage companies in exchange for a share of the company’s profits. Venture capital firms usually also offer guidance and advice on how to ensure that businesses run smoothly and efficiently.

Venture capitalists are distinct from angel investors because they usually seek high-growth opportunities, often taking more significant risks. Because of this, venture capital firms tend to require more shareholder rights.

Working with a VC can be a great way to get your business started or take it to the next level, but it can also have its downsides. Here are some pros and cons.

Pros of working with a venture capitalist

• Significant Funding: Venture capital investors can provide large sums of capital, enabling startups to scale quickly.
• Expertise and Network: Venture capital investments often bring valuable business knowledge, expertise, mentorship, and industry connections to the table.
• Validation: Securing venture capital funding can validate a startup's potential, making it easier to attract additional investors or customers.
• Long-Term Vision: Venture capitalists typically have a long-term vision and are willing to invest in risky, innovative ideas.

Cons of venture capitalists

• High Expectations: Venture capitalists have high expectations for growth and profitability, which can be challenging for early-stage startups to meet.
• Loss of Control: A venture capitalist investor most likely will require a stake in the company, which can lead to a loss of control for the founders.
• Pressure to Perform: Venture capitalists tend to expect a high return on their investment, which can create pressure to achieve rapid growth.
• Dilution of Ownership: Each round of funding can dilute the founders' ownership stake in the company.

What is an angel investor?

Unlike venture capitalists, who typically invest funds from a managed fund, angel investors invest their own money in early-stage companies and are often entrepreneurs themselves or have a background in the industry.

By investing inearly-stage businesses, an angel investor is able to take advantage of the potential returns that come with riskier investments. Angel investing not only provides financial support but also the possibility to get mentorship, advice, and valuable contacts to help the startup grow.

They usually come together as a network to pool funds for companies or projects they feel have strong potential or provide mentoring and coaching to young entrepreneurs.

What makes an angel investor unique

Angel investors are typically people who are interested in business opportunities and capitalize on industry knowledge, experience, and business networks.

Business angels, as opposed to venture capitalists, provide large monetary investments and take an ownership stake in a business. Angel investors tend to invest smaller sums of money to increase their chances of success. Additionally, angel investors often play mentor roles for startups that seek valuable advice rather than strictly financial outlooks. They also offer invaluable business contacts with beneficial networking opportunities and referrals.

Working with an angel investor can be a great way to gain secure funding for a new business venture, but it’s important to understand the pros and cons before you decide if it’s the right direction.

Pros of getting an angel investor

• Flexible Terms: An angel investor often offers more flexible investment decisions compared to traditional lenders or venture capitalists since they negotiate with their own money.
• Industry Experience: Many angel investors have experience in the industry and can provide valuable advice and mentorship.
• Speed: An angel investor can make decisions quickly, providing funding to startups when they need it most.‍
• Network: Angel investors often have extensive networks that startups can leverage for partnerships, customers, and future funding.

Cons of working with angel investors

• Limited Capital: Angel investors typically invest their own money, so the amount of capital available may be limited compared to venture capital funding.
• Risk: Investing in startups is inherently risky, and there is a high chance of losing the investment if the startup fails. An angel investor will take this into account.
• Control: Angel investors may seek a significant ownership stake in the company, leading to a loss of control for the founders.
• Expectations: As they are investing their own funds, angel investors expect a high return on their investment in future growth, which can create pressure for the startup to perform.

As you have seen, choosing between an angel investor and a venture capital investor is important because each type of investor brings different benefits and considerations to the table, depending on the startup's stage, funding needs, and long-term goals. It’s also important to know that venture capitalists and angel investors aren’t always the best option for small businesses. In some cases, a business loan might be the better option for small and medium-sized businesses.

Angel investor vs. Venture capitalist: Which is better for my business?

Now that you know what angel investors and venture capitalists are, there are some clues to find out which is better if you are looking to raise money for your business. Let's take a look:

Venture capitalists

• The initial investment isn't only meaningful because of the capital they put in and the connections they bring to the table. Strong connections are something that any business owner needs, especially when talking about early-stage businesses.
• They can enhance your future growth by establishing more significant investments, thus aiming for a higher equity stake goal.
• Venture capitalists will also share some of the risks with you. This will give you time to focus during the early stages on strategies that will translate into growth later.

Angel investors

• Because angel investors are used to investing in many businesses at a time, they are, in fact, considering that some of them may be profitable in the long run. This makes it easier to find an investor in the early stages.
• An angel investor is also less likely to get involved so much in the business strategy, unlike a venture capitalist. This means that as a business owner, you'll have more control over the decision-making.
• Both angel investors and venture capitalists are good, but if you're looking to increase your equity percentage, it'll be easier for you to get angel investments, as venture capitalists tend to hold for later-stage businesses.

Finding the right investor

Venture capitalists or angel investors may require small business owners to give up large portions of ownership over their businesses and meet reporting requirements that they likely don't have the capacity to meet. However, they might be a good fit depending on your business needs and long-term goals. 

If you are looking to sell your business rather than find investment, online marketplaces are a good option. At Boopos, we simplify the process of selling a business by evaluating its health and value and connecting you with highly qualified buyers.

Learn more about how to sell your business at Boopos!