Angel Investor
Also known as: Angel, Individual Investor
An individual who invests personal capital in early-stage companies, typically at the seed or pre-seed stage.
Full Definition
Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals â often former entrepreneurs, executives, or clinicians â who invest $25Kâ$500K in early-stage companies. In healthcare, clinician angels are particularly valuable because they provide both capital and domain expertise. Angel investors typically receive convertible notes or SAFE instruments at the seed stage, converting to equity at the Series A. Angel networks and syndicates allow individual angels to participate in larger rounds.
Example
A retired cardiac surgeon invests $150K in a cardiac monitoring startup through a SAFE note. In addition to capital, she provides clinical advisory support, introductions to KOLs in her network, and credibility for the team's health system conversations.