Stage 4: Early equity
Angel investors
Angel investors are wealthy individuals who invest their own money in early-stage companies, often adding advice and introductions, in return for equity or convertible instruments.
Best suited for
Early companies with a strong founder, a product and early traction.
Pros
- Smart money: experience and network, not just cash
- Faster and more flexible than institutional funds
- Tax incentives may be available for registered angels
Cons
- You give up equity and some control
- Hard to find the right angel without introductions
- Terms in the first round affect every round after
Watch out for
Have a clean cap table and understand valuation, vesting and what rights you grant.
Where to look: Venture capital & private equity
Real-world examples
- Sync Media
Sync Media, a Cradle CIP Catalyst recipient, was reported to have secured RM250,000 from a local angel investor to build its school communication platform.
Reported by: e27 (opens in new tab)
Examples are drawn from public reports and are not endorsements. Results vary and are not typical.
Related options
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