In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris discuss the concept of angel investors, their role in the startup ecosystem, and the characteristics that define them. They begin by defining an angel investor as an individual who invests in early-stage companies, usually after friends and family have provided initial funding. Angel investors are typically accredited investors who contribute capital to help startups build products, find market fit, and prepare for later-stage funding rounds.

The hosts also discuss the evolution of angel investing, with the term ‘super angel’ emerging to describe individuals who invest larger sums of money in early-stage companies, often through funds. They emphasise that angel investing is not just about making money but also about helping founders and contributing to the growth of innovative businesses.

Throughout the episode, they highlight the importance of understanding the risks and rewards associated with angel investing, as well as the need for investors to be involved in the companies they support. They also touch on the potential for angel investors to pivot towards institutional investments or venture capital as they gain more experience and capital to deploy.