AngelConf 2010: Learn about Angel Investing from the Experts | Hacker News Reader

AngelConf 2010: Learn about Angel Investing from the Experts

angelconf.org

124 pointspg14 comments

This is the second AngelConf we've organized. When you put on an event, it's hard to predict in advance how good it will be. AngelConf 2009 turned out to be really good. So for HN users who've made some money through their own startups or e.g. Google and have thought of one day trying angel investing, I feel safe saying this will be worth the time. You'll learn everything you need except the stuff you can only learn from experience.

Will this be Justintelevised like Work at a Startup was?

Probably. It was last time.

Aside from having money to invest, are there any other expectations for attendees? Is the assumption that the money came from a past startup, which implies they have some connections within the startup ecosystem?

The main thing we care about is that they're willing and able to invest in startups. We don't require any particular experience, though if we get a lot more people wanting to come than we have room for, we might decide that way.

I'll stream it this year, probably will be a while before I can check "yes" on the accredited investor box. Last years was great.

Is there going to be a Startup School 2010 or did you decide 18 months between Startup Schools works well?

Yes, there will be Startup School this year. We'll announce soon in fact.

I'm already stressing about what to talk about.

One thing I'm curious about is what it's like for a hacker to become an angel investor. I get the impression that being a VC is not that much fun (from a hacker's point of view), and in many respects being an Angel seems closer to a VC than a hacker (you're "just" a source of money, you're less hands-on and more advisory, etc).

Doesn't the urge to actually "do" stuff cause you to exert more pressure on your investees? How do you feel if you see them doing stupid stuff (technically)? Do you get inspired to try hacking something related yourself?

And less related questions: do you try to consciously find "complementary" startups to invest in and then try to get them to talk to each other (e.g., an ice cream company + chocalate company = super delicious!)? What do you do about competitors to your investees? Do you "wish them the best" or do you try to give your company a leg-up somehow? Is angel investing "something to do", "a way to get rich", "a way to help the world", all of the above, or something else? Why should people become Angel investors rather than donate to charities, or build schools in Laos, or buy cameras for orphans, or micro-invest using Kiva, or buy a giant island shaped like a skull and a matching super-villain boat?

is Sam Altman an angel investor?

Yes, actually. Quite a lot of YC alumni have become investors.

Will this be a yearly event? Would like to make it for AngelConf 2011.

That's the plan.

So is Cordellia gonna be there? Oh, it's Angel Investing, not Angel Investigation. My bad.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com