Active Startup Investor Directory

Startup investors are individuals, firms or organizations that provide funding and other resources to highly innovative companies. The different types of startup investors include:

• Business Angels: High net worth individuals who invest their own money in early-stage startups in exchange for equity. Their investment thesis typically involves finding promising entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
• Accelerators: Programs that provide mentorship, resources, and funding to early-stage startups in exchange for equity. Their investment thesis is typically focused on helping startups develop and grow their business.
• Open Innovation Programs: Corporate programs that partner with startups to co-create and co-innovate new products or services. Their investment thesis typically involves finding startups that can help the corporation stay competitive and innovative.
• Venture Capital Firms: Professional investment firms that pool money from multiple investors and invest it in high-growth startups with the potential for significant returns. Their investment thesis is typically focused on finding companies with scalable business models in large and growing markets.
• Private Equity: Professional funds creating to acquire and grow EBITDA-positive companies. PE usually focuses on profitable but slow-growing businesses, sometimes to merge them.

Startup Stages and Different Investors

Startup stages typically include:

• Idea Stage: This is the earliest stage of a startup where the founders have an idea but no product or customers. Private investors, Accelerators and VCs usually invest in this stage.
• Seed Stage: This stage typically involves building a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) and acquiring early customers.
• Early Stage: At this stage, the startup has validated its business model and is looking to scale its operations and acquire more customers.
• Growth Stage: This stage typically involves significant expansion and scaling of the startup's operations and customer base. Venture Firms and Debt financing are quite common.

Main Startup Industries and Prominent Investors:

• Tech: Prominent investors in the tech industry include Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Y Combinator.
• Biotech: Prominent investors in the biotech industry include Flagship Pioneering, ARCH Venture Partners, and Foresite Capital.
• Fintech: Prominent investors in the fintech industry include Accel, Ribbit Capital, and Greycroft.
• Social Impact: Prominent investors in the social impact industry include Acumen, Omidyar Network, and TPG Rise Fund.
• Consumer: This includes startups in the e-commerce, food and beverage, and travel industries. Prominent investors in this industry include Greycroft, Forerunner Ventures, and First Round Capital.

How to Fundraise

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Do Your Research

Before you start reaching out to investors, it's important to do your research and identify those who are a good fit for your company. Look for investors who have experience in your industry, a track record of successful investments, and a portfolio that aligns with your company's stage and needs.

2. Build Relationships

Investors are more likely to invest in companies they have a relationship with, so it's important to build connections before you start pitching. Attend industry events, participate in startup accelerators or incubators, and seek out opportunities to network with potential investors. Sending them investor updates is also a great way to keep them engaged.

Once you've identified a potential investor, try to find a warm introduction through a mutual connection, portfolio founder or industry colleague. This can help you establish trust and credibility early on, and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

3. Craft a Compelling Pitch

When it's time to pitch your company, make sure to tailor your message to the investor's interests and needs. Focus on your unique value proposition, market opportunity, and growth potential, and be prepared to provide detailed financial projections and data to back up your claims. Fundraising can take up to 9 months, so be mindful of your company's burn and cashflow.