WE'VE MOVED!
We are proud to announce our NEW community destination. Engage with resident experts and fellow entrepreneurs, and learn everything you need to start your business. Check out the new home of StartupNation Community at startupnation.mn.co
We are proud to announce our NEW community destination. Engage with resident experts and fellow entrepreneurs, and learn everything you need to start your business. Check out the new home of StartupNation Community at startupnation.mn.co
Will angels fund a true start-up?

In all my recent Googling I`ve become a little confused over the definition of "startup". It seems that to a lot of people a startup has been in business for a few years, has a million dollars or so in revenue, a management team of half a dozen and a corporate box at Fenway!
My startup hasn`t started up yet. I have an idea, a business plan and a passion but other than that I`ve not got much more than a couple of pencils. Its a service business so I have no prototypes and it is, I believe, a unique idea so I can`t even point to an existing competitor as an example of what is possible. Assuming for the moment that my idea is good and my business plan basically sound, do angels invest in real startups?
Thanks for your help
MitchPilotMitch6/19/2009 4:47 AM
My startup hasn`t started up yet. I have an idea, a business plan and a passion but other than that I`ve not got much more than a couple of pencils. Its a service business so I have no prototypes and it is, I believe, a unique idea so I can`t even point to an existing competitor as an example of what is possible. Assuming for the moment that my idea is good and my business plan basically sound, do angels invest in real startups?
Thanks for your help
MitchPilotMitch6/19/2009 4:47 AM
Sign In or Register to comment.
Comments
In the venture capital community, the term "startup" has come to mean the situation that Mark describes in his post. When an Angel Group or "professional" angel says they invest in Startups- that is what they mean.
For situations that are not that far along the path, it is rare that the "professional" angel will invest, so as an earlier stage business, you will probably need to find other avenues. There are a number of ways to bring capital into a business. The Optimum one for you will depend upon your specific circumstances.
If you`d like to discuss your situation (in confidence) send me a PM or contact me directly.
Hoever all is not lost and just because you have no money there are plenty other things you can do to help get things up and running.
One company that I know of is making changes in the way people do business and promotes the need for a sustainable future. For young start up business who aim to be a sustainable business,charity,non-profit etc they will soon be in a position to offer a variety of grants...usually on a pound for pound match basis. The grants/financial support are for achieving various accreditations, training and educational courses and other things (which are currently being added to).
They also offer start up business that have developed a sustainable business plan the opportunity to generate an income with what they call a "Share Program"...
please email me [email protected] if you wish to find out more