Business angels are private individuals or groups that invest their capital into start-up companies and entrepreneurial ideas in return for partial company management and/or a return on a set amount of the company’s profit (known as an equity stake). They often have other benefits for a company, such as experience in the particular sector and often a wide range of industry contacts that can help get your business in motion.

Business Capital for Start-ups

Most new businesses will have trouble getting significant amounts of capital. Banks do not lend money to new entrepreneurs or give money to fledgling businesses without a good track record and a healthy turn over.

Often, Irish entrepreneurs fund their business out of their own pocket, but this can be difficult if you do not have a lot of money to invest in your business. Leveraging friends and family can be an option, but again most people do not want to invest a lot of money in a start-up.

There is an exception to this rule and that is angel investors. This type of investor looks for Irish business start-ups or even concepts that have yet to begin being built, with a goal to invest in opportunities that offer a lot of potential return in their investment.

With these big returns come a lot of risk, since new businesses are not always successful. This is where an investor will use their experience and business acumen to make a judgement call about a business and idea and invest accordingly. They will review business plans and any data that the entrepreneur has, to help make a decision as to the potential profitability and risks of a business.

Not only do business angels invest in start-ups but they also look to invest in businesses that are looking to grow. Often business angel investment can help Irish companies reach the next level of financing and expansion. Over the past few years, angel investor groups have formed across Ireland, especially with the recent surge of companies worldwide investing in Ireland, and the market is ripe for new start-up companies to develop.

Business angels bring finance to the table, but sometimes they can also bring other benefits, such as experience and connections in the business world which can be beneficial to a new start-up and can give the business an advantage over its competition.

Leverage The Irish Investment Network

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for additional start-up capital or looking for investment into your business to help it grow and expand, then you can potentially connect with business angels on the Irish Investment Network.

Simply sign-up to the Irish Investment Network to pitch your business idea or provide details of your business. Investors from around the world can view your proposal and contact you if they are interested in finding out more.

The Irish Investment Network is part of a worldwide network that provides a service to all entrepreneurs and investors. It allows members to find and connect with other members regarding business investments and funding. Thousands of business angels use our network to search for ideas, and we have entrepreneurs signing up on a daily basis.