When I’m deciding whether to invest in a startup, there are three characteristics that tell me almost everything I need to know.
Sure, factors like a startup’s revenue, valuation, competition, and more are extremely important to consider.
But really, much of a startup’s success hinges on three factors: the founding team, intellectual property, and the right connections. Today, I’m diving into all three, plus one particular startup that fits the bill on all three counts…
Factor #3: A stellar founding team
Behind every successful product is an even more successful founding team.
I’ve always said that a startup’s founding team is much more important than any product they could ever design.
Why? Products and ideas change, but founders don’t.
If you’re investing in a company, you want to be sure you’re putting your money behind a team that’s going to get the job done… even if it means wiping the slate clean a few times.
It all comes down to a founding team’s track record. A team with a solid history of returns and industry expertise are better positioned to succeed than those with less experience.
Now, that’s not to say that a first-time founder has no shot at success. Everyone has to start somewhere… I know I sure did.
But when we’re looking for real unicorn potential, I’d rather put my money into a team that’s proven itself before.
Factor #2: A patented product
A startup could have the most incredible product you’ve ever seen, with the potential to change the world and deliver unbelievable gains along the way.
All of that is exciting to consider… but it doesn’t mean anything unless that product has a solid patent or trademark.
That’s why intellectual property is one of the most important considerations for any investor. In fact, I recommend you think very carefully before investing in a company without it.
Because if a bigger, more influential corporation gets their hands on an unpatented product, you can wave goodbye to any returns you may have seen on your investment.
On the flip side, a startup that’s taken the time to legally protect their product is in a better spot for financial success.
You see, if a corporation can’t copy a startup’s idea, they can certainly acquire it.
And those types of connections could drop some big bucks into that company’s – and their investors’ – bank accounts.
Factor #1: The right connections
The startups that really pique my interest are the ones that have already built an impressive network of connections and resources.
I’ve seen startups secure celebrity endorsements, top venture capitalist investments, and star-studded advisory boards… just to name a few.
All of these connections are really impressive, and they tell me that a startup means serious business.
But above all, there’s one network out there that – for some startups – could mean the difference between hitting unicorn status or flopping completely.
I’m talking about the government.
Think about it. The government, and their countless agencies, are constantly looking for ways to make their systems and technology work even better.
If an agency likes a product enough to give it their seal of approval… well, that’s a sure sign they see it as the ultimate game changer.
A startup that’s able to secure a government agency contract has the potential to see millions of dollars in revenue virtually overnight, especially if their product gets adopted across the entire system.
And for that startup’s angel investors, that’s a potentially massive payday waiting to happen.
Today, I’m excited to share that I’ve got my eye on a tiny startup that checks all three of these boxes.
It’s a startup that has completely turned the $460 billion global engine industry on its head.
Not only does this company have a genius-level founding team and a patented product, they’ve also secured key contracts from the United States army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
They’ve already seen $10 million in revenue, and their current partnerships could launch them straight over the coveted $1 billion unicorn status.
The profit potential from this company is endless, and that’s why I had to let you in on all the Private Dealroom action today.
But this meeting isn’t for just anyone.
It’s a highly sensitive dealroom analysis reserved for those who are serious about learning the angel investing ropes and how to score on some potentially lifechanging returns.
Personally, I think you all fit the bill. However, you’ll want to get in on this meeting fast before the opportunity disappears for good.
Thanks for your comment! If you’re a Private Deal Flow member, you can head to your Deal Flow Tracker to access these deals: https://angelsandentrepreneurs.com/deals/
I was contacted by someone at Angel Investing (shortly after we had joined) to consider a specific deal with a real estate investment in Naples, Florida. It had posted that the deal is closed. We are still very interested, and are reading everything suggested and more … trying to educate ourselves with the advice from the CHAT button suggestions. Perhaps this may sound like a dumb question to you; however, does the investment round open up again (anytime) after it has been closed? We realize that it is a 5K investment. Still learning as much as possible as fast as possible.
Thank you, Catherine Raveia
Thank you for your comment! It’s definitely not a dumb question! 🙂
Yes, sometimes, companies choose to open other rounds of funding after their first round has closed. There’s really no way of telling when that will be exactly, because it’s up to each company to decide if and when they need more capital. But the A&E team will notify subscribers any time a company chooses to reopen a raise!
Neil Patel is a successful entrepreneur and investor who has been active in the startup scene for nearly two decades. Born in London, England, he moved with his family to Orange County, California when he was two years old, where he was surrounded by entrepreneurs and innovators from an early age. Neil is the founder of several companies, including Crazy Egg, Hello Bar, and Quicksprout – companies that established Neil as one of the world’s leading digital marketers. But Neil spends more time these days on the other side of the table – as an angel investor. He has made some unbelievable returns backing early-stage startups. Now, he’s here to teach you to do the same. Neil launched the Angels & Entrepreneurs Network to pull back the curtain on the world of “pre-IPO” investment, because he believes everyone should have access to the same playing field – not just society’s high and mighty.
Why isn’t angels&entrepreneurs listed in the ratings of king crowd, I like them & they are representing some really great startups?
Hi Neil
I am interested in the companies that you presented in the deal room where can I find them.
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for your comment! If you’re a Private Deal Flow member, you can head to your Deal Flow Tracker to access these deals: https://angelsandentrepreneurs.com/deals/
If you’re not a Private Deal Flow member, try this link to learn more! https://pro.angelsandentrepreneursinfo.com/p/ADFLQP/WADFW722/?_ga=2.95809045.862786093.1595787733-419598058.1590856744&h=true
Best,
Sarah
Excellent opportunity given to the mankind specially By the God . Let us celebrate and make every effort to reach heights.
I was contacted by someone at Angel Investing (shortly after we had joined) to consider a specific deal with a real estate investment in Naples, Florida. It had posted that the deal is closed. We are still very interested, and are reading everything suggested and more … trying to educate ourselves with the advice from the CHAT button suggestions. Perhaps this may sound like a dumb question to you; however, does the investment round open up again (anytime) after it has been closed? We realize that it is a 5K investment. Still learning as much as possible as fast as possible.
Thank you, Catherine Raveia
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for your comment! It’s definitely not a dumb question! 🙂
Yes, sometimes, companies choose to open other rounds of funding after their first round has closed. There’s really no way of telling when that will be exactly, because it’s up to each company to decide if and when they need more capital. But the A&E team will notify subscribers any time a company chooses to reopen a raise!
I hope this helps!
Best,
Sarah