Do you want to learn how to invest as a Business Angel?
- Santiago Pinto Escalier
- Sep 21
- 2 min read
These are the sources that helped me the most (and you too!)
It's not taught in universities, but it can be learned by reading the best, observing those who already do it, and, most importantly, practicing with humility and building your network.
As an investor also exploring the potential of AI in startups, I understand the need for solid sources. But sometimes, the best lessons come from direct experience. For example, I invested in Satellogic in 2012 because I knew the entrepreneur and his track record, and I loved his crazy pitch: "I will send low-cost nanosatellites (evolved Android phones) into space in large quantities, instead of megasatellites, because the Earth observation market will be huge." Everything could fail, everything was against it, even NASA... but I believed in him and his vision. He completed his IPO, and the best is yet to come.
Here are some essential sources for learning:
Essential Resources for Business Angels
"Angel" 📚 A straightforward, down-to-earth book with humor and a wealth of experience. It explains step-by-step how to invest, from deal flow to exit.
FJ Labs Blog ✍️ The best and most active business angel (over 1,000 investments). Publishes his thesis, reports, and strategic decisions. Founder of OLX with Alec (Alejandro) Oxenford
🔹 Paul Graham
Y Combinator Essays 🎯 While it's not just about investing, it's key to understanding how an exceptional entrepreneur thinks, an invaluable skill for an investor.
Library of tools and resources 📄 SAFEs, term sheets, equity splits, legal documents, and frameworks used by the best in the ecosystem.
🔹 First Round Review
📘 In-depth stories from early-stage startups. Ideal for understanding how smart investors add value and real-world challenges. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dNB9ESgN
Blog 🧠 All about syndications, modern angel investing, trends, and strategies. An indispensable resource for navigating today's ecosystem.
🔹 BONUS: Lenny's Newsletter (Lenny Rachitsky) 📈 To understand product growth and metrics, essential when evaluating tech startups, including AI ones! 👉 https://lnkd.in/d2pdBbct
Learn from them. Copy, adapt, fail cheaply, and gain experience. No one starts out knowing, but you can learn with judgment and a good roadmap.
Santiago Pinto Escalier
Business Angel
Comments