Welcome to yet another enlightening piece, this time focusing on Angel Investors – the brave souls who breathe life into start-ups with their capital, wisdom, and connections. Today, we’re going to explore some truly inspiring and insightful quotes from these ‘angels’ of the business world.
Introduction – words of wisdom from Angel Investors
The journey of building a start-up from the ground up is full of challenges and unknowns. During these times, the wisdom and experience of those who’ve already navigated this path can prove to be invaluable. In this blog, we’ll share 25 quotes from successful Angel Investors that will inspire, guide, and enlighten you on your entrepreneurial journey.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the pool of wisdom that these investors have to offer.
1. “Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas.” – Paul Samuelson
This quote encapsulates the patience required in investing. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are successful start-ups.
2. “The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” – Benjamin Franklin
Franklin emphasizes the importance of investing in yourself and your skills. The better your skills, the better your chances of success.
3. “Know what you own, and know why you own it.” – Peter Lynch
Lynch reminds investors of the importance of understanding their investments and the reasoning behind them.
4. “In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable.” – Robert Arnott
Innovation often comes from challenging the status quo. If you’re comfortable, you’re probably not pushing boundaries.
5. “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin
A recurring theme among angel investors is the importance of knowledge and continuous learning.
6. “You don’t have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful. You just need a framework and a dream.” – Michael Dell
Dell emphasizes that success comes from having a clear vision and the right structure to achieve it.
7. “Your best investments will be in people, not products or services.” – Kevin O’Leary
O’Leary highlights the importance of investing in passionate, driven individuals who can bring a product or service to life.
8. “Investing is not nearly as difficult as it looks. Successful investing involves doing a few things right and avoiding serious mistakes.” – John Bogle
Bogle simplifies the process of investing, reminding us that avoiding significant pitfalls is as important as making the right decisions.
9. “Every portfolio benefits from bonds; they provide a cushion when the stock market hits a rough patch. But avoiding stocks completely could mean your investment won’t grow any faster than the rate of inflation.” – Suze Orman
Orman emphasizes the importance of a balanced investment portfolio.
10. “Investing is a simple process, but not an easy one.” – Warren Buffett
Buffett highlights that while investing might seem straightforward, it requires discipline, patience, and sound judgment.
11. “I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.” – Warren Buffett
This classic Buffett quote encapsulates his contrarian investment philosophy.
12. “The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.” – Philip Fisher
Fisher stresses the importance of understanding the true value of an investment, rather than simply looking at its price.
13. “An investment said to have an 80% chance of success sounds far more attractive than one with a 20% chance of failure. The mind can’t easily recognize that they are the same.” – Daniel Kahneman
Kahneman highlights the psychological biases that can cloud our investment decisions.
14. “Venture capital is about capturing the value between the startup phase and the public company phase.” – Fred Wilson
Wilson describes the role of angel investing in the growth journey of a company.
15. “If you want to be an entrepreneur, it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. It defines you. Forget about vacations, about going home at 6 PM. Last thing at night you’ll send emails, first thing in the morning you’ll read emails, and you’ll wake up in the middle of the night. But it’s hugely rewarding as you’re fulfilling something for yourself.” – Niklas Zennstrom
Zennstrom describes the relentless, rewarding journey of an entrepreneur.
16. “I look for entrepreneurs who are tackling big problems in large markets, with a sustainable competitive advantage, who are driven and can execute, and are open to input.” – David Lee
Lee provides insight into the qualities angel investors look for in entrepreneurs.
17. “As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest challenges you will face will be building your brand. The ultimate goal is to set your company and your brand apart from the crowd. If you form a strategy without doing the research, your brand will barely float – and at the speed industries move at today, brands sink fast.” – Ryan Holmes
Holmes emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand and doing the necessary research.
18. “I’m not an inventor. I just want to make things better.” – Daniel Ek
Ek’s quote encapsulates the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.
19. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chris Sacca
Sacca uses a metaphor to highlight the importance of taking action and investing now.
20. “If you want to succeed, double your failure rate.” – Thomas Watson
Watson reminds us that failure is often the stepping stone to success.
21. “It’s not about money or connections. It’s the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone when it comes to your business.” – Mark Cuban
Cuban emphasizes the importance of hard work and continuous learning in business success.
22. “I made a resolve then that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me.” – Colonel Sanders
Sanders shares his unwavering resolve and dedication to his work.
23. “Every time we launch a feature, people yell at us.” – Angelo Sotira
Sotira’s quote highlights the inevitable resistance that comes with innovation.
24. “Don’t worry about funding if you don’t need it. Today it’s cheaper to start a business than ever.” – Noah Everett
Everett provides a fresh perspective on the importance of self-funding and bootstrapping.
25. “Don’t be afraid to assert yourself, have confidence in your abilities, and don’t let the bastards get you down.” – Michael Bloomberg
Bloomberg ends our list on a high note, encouraging entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and never back down.
Conclusion
Each one of these quotes provides a unique perspective and invaluable advice on investing and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for inspiration or an aspiring angel investor seeking wisdom, these quotes offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Remember, as Mark Cuban says, it’s all about the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone when it comes to your business. That’s the mindset you need to succeed. So let these Quotes from Angel Investors guide your journey to success!
I wish you success in your journey of convincing angel investors to invest in your startup. I wish you ride a unicorn soon. Happy fundraising!