8類天使投資人惹不起
????很多創業者認為,融資不問出處。只要有人認可他們價值百萬美元的創業點子,給他們投資,投資人是誰真的不是問題。大多數天使投資人目的單純,但也有一些例外,需要創業者格外留意。 1. 鯊魚天使。 這類天使是徹頭徹尾的壞蛋,他們參與早期投資的唯一目的只是為了利用創業者相對缺乏財務和達成交易的經驗占便宜。如果協商投資意向書的過程變成一種折磨,也許就意味著好聚好散的時候到了。 2. 好打官司天使。好打官司的投資人會尋找幾乎一切借口把你告上法庭。這類投資者從不真正關注投資對象的公司能夠實現的回報,而是試圖通過威脅、恐嚇和訴訟來賺錢。他們知道你沒有與資源跟他們斗,所以,他們吃定你會“低頭”。切記確保律師隨時不離左右。 3. 傲慢天使。很多成功的商人相信,他們的偉大命中注定,因為他們比別人都高人一等,這其中有一部分人成為了天使。這些人通常專橫傲慢、不受歡迎,他們對你做的任何決定都吹毛求疵。不要懾于他們的淫威做出不明智的決定。 4. 控制狂天使。此類天使一開始看起來就像你新交的鐵哥們。一旦你獲得注資,他會等你犯第一個錯誤,然后指著合約中設計好的“陷阱”條款,獲得更多控制權,并逐步升級,甚至開始插手公司的經營事務。到時,只有公司董事會救得了你。 5. 說教式天使。說教式投資人不尋求掌控,但在任何事情上都不愿放手。這種手把手、事無巨細的說教起初可能感覺還不錯。但在他們投資之后,仍想全天候24小時給予幫助的愿望再怎么往好了說也招人煩。一開始你出于獲得投資的感恩,可能還能容忍,但最終這些好意會壓垮你。保持距離是最佳做法。 6. 過時天使。每次經濟波動期都會出現這種天使。他們通常好高騖遠,但又面臨流動性問題。他們天天泡在鄉村俱樂部里,掛賬消費清單越來越長。他們會和你見面,提出上千個問題,但從來不提什么時候成交。要學會問終結性問題。 7. 愚蠢天使。財富絕不等于商業智慧。看看他們問了哪些問題,沒問那些問題,就可以分辨出那些愚蠢的天使。如果他們只是問一些表面問題,或者根本不了解你的業務,那就不太可能建立起成功的長期合作關系。但別忘了,有錢人身邊往往都有一些精明的朋友。 8.披著天使外衣的經紀人。這樣的人無處不在,他們通常以律師或財務人員身份出現。他們對于投資你的公司絲毫沒有興趣,最終只會試圖讓你簽訂一個付費合同,把你介紹給真正的投資人。經紀人通常也值那些服務費,但不要把他們與天使投資人混為一談。 ? |
????Many entrepreneurs believe all money is created equal. As long as somebody recognizes their million dollar idea and writes them a check, the source really doesn't matter. Most angel investors are pure, but there are some exceptions to watch out for: 1. Shark angels. This is the ultimate bad guy whose sole intention of getting involved in early-stage investing is to take advantage of what they believe is the entrepreneur's lack of financial and deal-making experience. If the term sheet process turns to pure torture, it may be time to respectfully bow out. 2. Litigious angels. The litigious investor will look for almost any excuse to take you to court. This type of investor never really focuses on the returns your company can deliver, but instead tries to make money by intimidation, threats and lawsuits. They know you won't have the resources to fight them, so they count on you "caving." Keep your attorney close by your side. 3. Superior angels. A number of successful business people, some of whom become angels, develop the belief that they are destined for greatness because of their clear superiority over everyone else. These are usually overbearing, negative people who are hypercritical of every decision you make. Don't be intimidated into bad decisions. 4. Control freak angels. This angel starts out looking like your new best friend. Once you are funded, he waits until you hit your first pothole and then points out "gotcha" clauses in your agreement that give him more control. This escalates into a requirement that he must step in to run your company himself. Only your Board can save you here. 5. Tutorial angels. The tutorial investor is not after control, but wants to hold your hand on every issue. The mentoring offer always sounds good up front. But after they write the check, it soon becomes apparent that their desire to be helpful 24 hours a day is a nuisance at best. Initially, your gratitude for their investment may prompt tolerance, but eventually the burden wears you down. Keeping your distance is the best solution. 6. Has-been angels. These tend to appear with every perturbation in the economy. They are usually high-flyers with a liquidity problem. They are still at the country club every day, but are now running up a tab. They will meet with you, and ask a thousand questions, but never get around to closing the deal. Learn to ask the closing questions. 7. Dumb angels. Wealth is not synonymous with business savvy. You can spot dumb angels by the questions they ask (or don't ask). If they ask superficial questions or don't understand business, a successful long-term relationship is not likely. But don't forget that people with wealth usually may have some savvy friends to meet. 8. Brokers posing as angels. These people are all over the place, often posing as lawyers and accountants. They have little intent to invest in your company, and will eventually solicit you to sign a fee agreement to pay them to introduce you to actual investors. Brokers are often worth the fee, but don't be misled about who is the angel. |