Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups | Jason Calacanis | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Jason Calacanis, successful angel investor, discusses the importance of passion, skill, and drive in startup founders, as well as the potential for growth in areas such as AI, AR/VR, and robotics.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] HEATH ROWE: My name is Heath Rowe, and I'm research operations manager for the Brand Studio of Google. And we're here today with Jason Calacanis. Jason is a technology entrepreneur, angel investor, and the host of a weekly podcast called "This Week in Startups." He's the founder of a series of conferences that bring entrepreneurs to... Read More

Key Insights

• 😇 Angel investing can be democratized and is open to everyone through platforms like AngelList and SeedInvest.
• 😇 Building a network in the startup ecosystem is crucial for success as an angel investor or founder.
• ❓ False starts in technology, such as VR and robotics, should not discourage investors, as successful innovations are often preceded by failed attempts.
• 🇭🇰 AI, AR/VR, and robotics are areas where significant opportunities for growth and disruption exist.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the Founder-Friendly movement, and how has it affected venture capital?

The Founder-Friendly movement began with the recognition that venture capital firms were more interested in removing founders from their companies instead of supporting them. Founders Fund, headed by Peter Thiel and Sean Parker, was created as a response to this, and it changed the way investors think about supporting startups and founders.

Q: How can individuals enter the world of angel investing?

Individuals can start by joining angel investor syndicates, such as those on AngelList or SeedInvest. They can also invest in startups through crowdfunding websites or create their own syndicates. Building a network and leveraging shared deal flow is essential for success in the field.

Q: How should founders approach investors and secure investment for their startups?

Founders should focus on building a great team, product, and customer base. They should also generate monthly updates for investors and communicate their progress consistently. Founders can reach out to co-investors and build relationships with them to access deal flow and potential investments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Calacanis emphasizes the value of journalism in providing the skills necessary for angel investing, such as interviewing skills and the ability to detect truth and falsehoods.

• He highlights the shift in venture capital towards being founder-friendly and the rise of professional angel investing, as well as the increasing number of angel investors due to the surge of internet companies.

• Calacanis also encourages individuals to take risks by investing a portion of their net worth in high-risk, high-reward startups, which can lead to personal and societal wealth creation.