Sometimes It Takes an Angel: Entrepreneur Rick Siskey Says Private Investors Make a Big Difference to Startup Companies

Richard Siskey

Richard Siskey

According to Rick Siskey, many startup companies do not have enough capital to get their product effectively launched. For these entrepreneurs, says Siskey, there’s a specialized group of investors that deal specifically with small startup businesses who have a good idea but don’t have the capital to create a tangible product. These financiers are called angel investors. An angel investor, explains Rick Siskey, will finance promising new businesses or product ideas until they get their feet on solid ground.

While an “angel investor” may sound like an altruistic philanthropist, Rick Siskey points out that they are businessmen and women who are looking to see a return on their investment. When pitching to an angel investor, it’s important to offer a clear and concise plan of action to ensure that they see a return of investment in a reasonable amount of time, advises Rick Siskey. He believes that angel investing has proven successful historically, perhaps because the investors have the experience to mentor the young entrepreneur to create success for themselves.

Angel Investing 101 with Richard Siskey

Richard Siskey

Richard Siskey

With over a quarter century of Wall Street and investment experience, Richard Siskey knows a thing or two about how to make companies successful. One of his main goals now is to help up-and-coming investors through the tool of angel investing. He cites the television show Shark Tank as a good lead-in to understand the reality of angel investing.
To the inexperienced, Richard Siskey emphasizes that a good way to get a start in angel investing is to partner with another colleague also interested in infusing startup firms with capital. He also cites that while this may be an exciting time for the new investor it’s important to make sure that not only is all your paperwork in order but that the firm you’re investing is really be able to return a profit. Richard Siskey, as a financial educator, reminds his students that if the firm isn’t going to make any money then the investment process will do neither party any favors.