Angel Investor’s Challenge #1: Finding the Next Google

In 1998, Andy Bechtolsheim wrote a check for US$100,000 to an insanely ambitious startup company called Google. At the time, Google didn’t even have a checking account. Today, Bechtolsheim’s investment is worth US$1.5 billion.

How did Bechtolsheim find this incredible opportunity, and how can you discover the next Google?

Well, Bechtolsheim had some serious advantages. As founder of Sun Microsystems, he had an insider’s perspective on the latest developments in information technology. He also had a network of contacts throughout the IT world.

Andy Bechtolsheim is undoubtedly one of the most successful angel investors in US, but most of beginning angels don’t have his advantages. We don’t have an insider’s knowledge or network of contacts. How can we find the next Google, the next little startup that will go on to rock the world and change people’s lives?

Most people have a limited range of sources for investing ideas. Typically, they rely on tips from friends and business associates. Unfortunately, these tips often lead to dead ends or bad investments. And relying on the business news can be just as unrewarding. By the time a venture opportunity makes it to the news, it’s probably too late to invest in it.

How can you find the most promising companies, and how can you separate the winners from the losers?

What angel investors need is Venture Hype, a network of high-caliber researchers and venture enthusiasts who are passionate about delivering tools and resources to help you get started and make smart investments.

This is the first in a series of 5 articles that will introduce you to angel investing. In the other articles in this series you’ll learn how to overcome the challenges that all angel investors face. Keep reading, and keep looking for opportunities to change the world.