Angel investor for early-stage startups
I am David Gutiérrez Maroto, an angel investor: I put my own money into very early startups and, when I can add value, I get involved. If you are a founder looking for capital or for someone to think through your next step with, here is what I look at, what I can offer and how we would work.
I do not ask your company to be profitable or to have revenue. I care more about committed, honest founders than about the starting idea, because ideas change.
What an angel investor is and what one can bring you
An angel investor is a private person who invests their own capital in a young company in exchange for equity, usually at the earliest stages, before larger funds step in. Beyond the money, an angel often brings experience, contacts and judgment.
In my case, besides capital, I can help with what I have been doing for years: digital marketing, SEO, SEO for AI, web development and automation. I do not join as a full-time working partner unless we agree otherwise, but I can lend a hand where it matters most at your stage.
What I look for in a startup and its founders
I look at the team before the product. What gives me confidence:
- Committed founders who give the project real time.
- People who speak plainly, including about what is not working.
- A team that moves fast and learns from what it tries.
- A real problem, and customers or users you have actually talked to.
I invest very early, from pre-seed to seed, in any sector. My curiosity pulls me most towards agritech, longevity and biohacking, and I also like AI, software, fintech, ecommerce and web3.
What you do not need to have figured out before an angel invests
I do not ask you to be profitable, to have sales or to have a finished product. You can come with a half-built idea, little traction and plenty of doubts. That is normal at the start. What I do need is to understand what you want to build, with whom and why now.
What I offer as an angel investor beyond the money
Depending on what you need, I can help with:
- Marketing and messaging: what to say on your site so it is understood at first glance.
- SEO and SEO for AI, so Google and ChatGPT find and cite you.
- Product and web development: a review of your site and what holds it back.
- AI automations to save time on repetitive tasks.
- One-off mentoring and introductions to people who can help.
Angel investor, fund or accelerator: which fits
| Option | When it fits | What it usually asks in return | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angel investor | Very early stage and you want someone close | A small stake and open communication | Fast: we talk and decide |
| Venture capital fund | There is traction and you need a bigger round | Equity and information rights | Slower, with due diligence |
| Accelerator | You want a structured programme and a network | A percentage in exchange for training and seed capital | In batches |
If you want to understand rounds and capital sources better, I wrote a long guide: how to raise capital for your startup.
How the angel investment process works
- 1You tell me about your project with the form below: what you do, what stage you are at and what you are looking for.
- 2I read it myself and reply.
- 3If there is a fit, we talk calmly and without a script.
- 4If we click, we agree simple terms in writing.
How to prepare your pitch for an angel investor
You do not need a perfect deck. Tell me who is on the team and how much time each person gives, what problem you solve, what stage you are at, what you are looking for (money, help, intros) and, if you have one, a link to your presentation. If you are not sure how to structure a round, start with the guide to raising capital. And if you need web visibility, I work as an SEO consultant.
I also invest through a fund
Besides investing directly, I invest through Antai Ventures.
This is not financial advice or an offer to invest.
Frequently asked questions about angel investors
What is an angel investor?
A private investor who puts their own capital into very young startups and usually brings experience and contacts as well as money.
Do you invest as an angel investor in any sector?
I am open to any sector. I am most curious about agritech, longevity and biohacking, but I look at everything.
Does my startup need revenue to get an angel investor?
No. I do not require profitability or revenue. I care about a committed, honest team.
How much do you invest as an angel investor in each startup?
I make small tickets. We talk specifics if there is a fit, and I do not promise to invest until we have met.
Can I contact an angel investor like you if I only have an idea?
Yes. Write to me anyway. This is not a hard yes or no: if you are not a clear fit, I will tell you what I see.
What is an angel investment?
It's money a private person puts into an early-stage company, usually before institutional funds come in, in exchange for a share of the business. Often the investor also helps with contacts and advice.
Notes on startups and angel investing
Tell me about your startup