Angel curious: an angel investing for startup operators
1: Why startup operators make the best angel investors
Perhaps you know the difference between a founder who's building something people genuinely need and one who's fallen in love with a solution looking for a problem. You've seen the inside of the machine, and you know which parts actually matter…
2: The rules: who can actually invest in Australian startups
The compliance side of angel investing is the bit that puts some people off before they even consider becoming an angel. But here's the thing: it's genuinely not that complicated once you understand the handful of rules that actually matter.
3: Where the deals are (and how to find them)
There are more structured pathways into deal flow than ever, and several are designed specifically for people who are new to this. Here's how I'd think about the landscape…
4: Due diligence when you don't have a due diligence team
The due diligence that matters most at this stage is the kind operators are best equipped to do. You're not building a financial model or hiring a law firm. You're assessing people, problems, and products — things you've been doing your entire career, whether you realised it or not.
5: Writing your first cheque (without losing your mind)
The moment before you transfer money into a startup for the first time is absolutely terrifying. But here's the thing: you've done the work. You've read this entire series. You understand why operators make great angels, you know the regulatory landscape, you've figured out where to find deals, and you've done your due diligence. Now it's time to actually do the thing.
About M8 Ventures
M8 Ventures is a pre-seed and seed specialist venture fund focused on product-led technology companies in Australia and New Zealand. We also run the M8 Syndicate on Aussie Angels (https://app.aussieangels.com/syndicate/m8-ventures) — it's free to join, there's no commitment to invest, and you'll see real deals in your inbox. If you're an operator who cares about product and wants a low-pressure way to start seeing deal flow, it's a good place to begin.