What Is an Angel Investor, Really?

Imagine this: You’re having dinner with friends. One’s talking about their kid’s soccer game. Another’s ranting about their boss. Then someone casually says:

"Oh yeah, I invested in this startup last year. Turns out I’m an angel investor now."

Wait… what? Angel investor?

Aren’t those the people sitting in glass-walled boardrooms, casually throwing around millions? Don’t you need to have sold your company, made a fortune, and learned to speak fluent startup jargon?

Here’s the reality: An angel investor is often just someone curious, supportive, and willing to back an early-stage founder with their own money.

It’s not about having “made it.” It’s about having the guts to say:

"Hey, I believe in this idea. Let’s go."

Most angel investors are normal people who:

• Don’t always know the jargon

• Get excited about helping founders grow

• Sometimes learn as they go (thank you, ChatGPT)

At its core, angel investing is about:

• Helping new ideas take off

• Supporting people, not just pitches

• And maybe…enjoying the wild ride along the way

Here at AtVenture Platform, we’re on a mission to open the door to angel investing, especially for those who never thought it was meant for them.

We want to make angel investing accessible, inclusive, and aligned with your values. No gatekeeping. No intimidation. No velvet ropes. Just real people learning and investing together.

That’s why we’re launching the AtVenture Angel Accelerator, a space for aspiring angels (especially women, underrepresented individuals, and allies) to learn by doing, get behind the scenes of real deals, and connect with a values-aligned community.

If you’ve ever thought, “Could I do that?” — the answer might just be yes. We're opening doors soon. Learn more and stay informed by signing up here.