Are their Angel Investor Networks I can join? If so, are three both online and in person networks I can tap/join?
Answers
There are many organized angel investment groups in the US. You can look at the Angel Capital Association, to explore groups in your own region via their website: http://www.angelcapitalassociation.org/directory. You can also check out the groups that participate in Angelsoft.net.
I suggest talking to some of the members individually once you find a group that you like. It will be important for you to understand the groups requirements, investment criteria, due diligence standards, etc. as well as their culture to make sure it is a good fit for you and your desires. Typically individual angels invest personally and can decide whether or not they want to participate in a specific investment, however, some groups create an entity for each investment and the group invests together. There are pros and cons for each philosophy.
Good luck!
Kent Thomas
One network or forum worth mentioning is the Keiretsu Forum. http://www.keiretsuforum.com/frontend/index.aspx
They say, and I believe it is true, that they are the largest angel forum in North America. I am becoming a member, and consider it a very effective and useful organization.
Angel investing isn't for everyone. I have seen many folks dive into the angel game too quickly, without a firm understanding of the illiquid nature of their investments. Remember to expect not to see your investment dollars back for as long as a decade.
That said, the most successful angel investors tend to stay local. If you're in Silicon Valley, there's the Band of Angels. In Los Angeles, it's the Tech Coast Angels. I'd recommend asking around the business executives in your area to see what's available.