More Praise
More Praise
“Only an angel who has backed over 90 start-ups could possess the mastery to provide such illumination into our craft. David’s candor and insights will attract more investors to this entertaining and lucrative activity so essential to economic growth.”
John Huston
Founder & Manager, The OhioTechAngel Funds
"Angel Investing is an engaging, easy read, full of real stories and hard numbers, actual cases and a whole lot of good advice. David S. Rose brings tons of real-world knowledge to the subject that makes this required reading for every new angel."
Tim Berry
Author of Business Plan Pro, Entrepreneur, Angel Investor
"David S. Rose is one of the most insightful thinkers about the angel and venture investment markets. It's rare that an investment leader with so much experience and success takes the time to share (systematically!) his knowledge so openly. Whether you are new to angel investing or someone with lots of experience, you will learn a ton from reading this book."
Marc Bodnick
Co-Founder, Elevation Partners
“David S. Rose has distilled his vast knowledge into an easy to read yet comprehensive guide to angel investing. It is a must read for all angel investors as well as for entrepreneurs seeking angel financing.”
Jeffrey Seltzer
Managing Partner, Pierce Yates Ventures, Former Deputy Chairman, CIBC World Markets, Angel Investor
"Anyone with a checkbook can be an angel investor, but it takes insight to do it well. David S. Rose has written a terrific new book that will help would-be angels make money, rather than lose it. From explaining the value of diversification, to tips on evaluating deals, to offering up plans to attract good deals, Angel Investing will help you move from a money-losing amateur to a money-making professional angel. And if you’re an entrepreneur looking for angel money, you should read this book too. It will help you understand what knowledgeable angels are seeking and how they will evaluate you."
Scott Shane
Author of Fool’s Gold? The Truth Behind Angel Investing in America
“The future of financial markets will be based on the democratization of capital, as the funding of innovation is no longer limited to large institutions and venture capitalists. Angel Investing is the definitive guidebook for visionary investors seeking to profit from the startups of today that will become the superstars of tomorrow. David S. Rose is both a brilliant futurist and an engaging, accessible writer, and his book reveals the secrets behind investing at the leading edge of technologies and markets."
Faith Popcorn
Futurist, CEO and Author of The Popcorn Report
"Angel investing is a new global asset class, with cross-border investments in early stage companies fueling worldwide innovation. David S. Rose's Angel Investing should be mandatory reading for every current and prospective business angel. It brings into one readable volume everything you need to know to join the startup revolution, and clearly takes its place as the new standard textbook for our industry. I always recommend David's classic TEDtalk on "How to Pitch a VC" to every entrepreneur. Now I will recommend this book to all existing and potential angel investors!"
Paulo Andrez
President, EBAN, the European Business Angel and Early Stage Investors Network
“Lots of books explain fundamental theories of investing. David S. Rose's Angel Investing does too—but he also describes the on-the-ground reality of its frustrations and exhilarations, and he does it with candor, intelligence and flair. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in this rapidly growing asset class.”
Joan Finsilver
Former Managing Director, Brean Murray & Co., Angel Investor
“I only wish I had a translated edition of David’s observations when training overseas angels about the art of Mentor Capital. David tells it like it is, shares real life stories, and packages the entire process in one book – I will encourage all my emerging angels to read it before writing their first check!”
John May
Chair Emeritus, Angel Capital Association and author, Every Business Needs an Angel
“What a delightful read! Not only is this book a must-read for angel investors, it is also a must-read for all early-stage founders.”
Jilliene Helman
Founder and CEO, Realty Mogul
"David S. Rose explains the mysteries of angel investing in a clearly-written comprehensive guide full of great insights and stories. He's packed this book with everything you could possibly want to know about angel investing, gathered from his years of hands-on experience and research as one of the most active angel investors and angel evangelists in the country. I can attest this book is what David has been practicing and preaching since I met him in 2002. "
Thomas Blum
Partner, GC Andersen Partners, Angel Investor
“Angel Investing by David S. Rose is a how-to-invest book that is not merely informative and authoritative, but practical and enjoyable to read. Based on his many years running a reputable, leading angel group, and his own portfolio of over 90 angel investments, David tells it like is. He covers a great many things that other books don’t discuss, like “building your reputation”, and the “financial life of a start-up”. I especially valued reading Chapter 6 and the “signs of a weak founder”: the long list of “unrealistics” was spot on! Reading this book is like sitting across from David listening to him share his lessons from his storied career as an angel."
Catherine Mott
CEO/Founder, Blue Tree Allied Angels, and Past Chairman of the Board, Angel Capital Association
“Superb! Angel Investing by David S. Rose is without a doubt one of the best books I have read on the subject of angel investing, venture capital and entrepreneurship. It is easy to read and completely captivating—David’s real-world experience is compelling. He shows first hand how to take the casual sport of angel investing to a whole new level, and make a real business out of it. There is a world of difference between managing a single investment and managing a whole angel portfolio. This unique book addresses everything from the step by step process of due diligence, to negotiation win/win deals, to managing the most intangible—but most important—part of angel investing: your reputation. From every perspective, this is THE book that every prospective angel should read before writing their first check.”
David Freschman
Managing Principal, Innovation Ventures, CEO, Early Stage East, Founding Member, ARC Angel Fund
“As David S. Rose points out, angel investing can be ‘as much as it is possible to have with your clothes on’. But it isn’t for the faint of heart. Rose’s terrific book provides a sweeping guide for anyone interested in mastering the art of funding startups.”
Jeffrey Bussgang
Author of Mastering the VC Game
“David S. Rose’s Angel Investing is great fun and a must read for angels and would-be angels. For newbies it gives a very clear and simple explanation of the dynamics of angel investing, with a number of real-life anecdotes that drive the points home and make them unforgettable. For all investors, it gives a good sense of whether this asset class is something worth pursuing and if one has the right skills and attitude for making angel investments. Whether you are already an investor or are looking to become one, this book covers in detail—and in a non-intimidating fashion—all you need to know to start putting money to work. Read it and start investing!”
Alessandro Piol
Co-founder and Partner, AlphaPrime Ventures and Vendanta Capital and President, TiE New York
"David S. Rose’s Angel Investing is a must read for successful business people on why they should be angels: you get to use your experiences and capital for maximum effect and have a blast doing it. It is also a must read for entrepreneurs on why angels are important and what to look for from angel investors that goes well beyond the funding."
Brad Higgins
Managing Partner, SOS Ventures
Former CFO, US Department of State
“For newly minted angels, Angel Investing is a must-read; for existing angels, a great refresher; for those in need of information and entertainment, David S. Rose packages the arcane into accessible language—and with a sense of humor that will have you read the entire book in one sitting. Thanks a lot, David, now existing angels will have more competition sourcing great deals. Where were you seven years ago when I needed to read this!?”
Joseph Ferrara
Founder of Apparel Group International, angel investor
“David S. Rose has long been a staple in the angel world with a reputation for the highest integrity. While many will conclude this to be a must-read book for those considering angel investing, I'd also recommend this book to every entrepreneur before they go out looking for capital. For the entrepreneur, David will bring you into the mind of potential investors and help you fashion the content of your pitch and the best ways to be persuasive.”
Andrew Weinreich
Serial entrepreneur, inventor of social networking,
Founder of SixDegrees, Joltage, I Stand For, MeetMoi, Xtify
“Whether you are an angel investor or an impact investor, this riot of information and story will elevate your game. David takes us on a sometimes scary—but often hilarious—romp through the ins and outs of angel investing. Read it with caution as this book is addictive!”
Lisa Kleissner
Co-founder, Toniic and Co-founder, Social-Impact International
President, KL Felicitas Foundation
“David S. Rose has written a comprehensive, practical guide to angel investing. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the world of start-up finance. Angel Investing distills the tumultuous, esoteric world of start-up investing into a clear, paint-by-numbers guide for would-be participants and interested observers.”
Thatcher Bell
Managing Director, Draper Fisher Jurvetson Gotham Ventures
“Early stage investing involves both art and science, and David S. Rose’s Angel Investing brings together the best of both worlds. I've known and co-invested with David for many years, and he's one of the most knowledgeable and straight-shooting people I've met in the business of early stage financing. His book is the ultimate How To for this rapidly expanding field, written by someone who really knows what he's talking about.”
Chris Fralic
Partner, First Round Capital
"Angel investing is both fun and profitable…eventually. The journey requires the development of a personal investment style, unique to your interests and strengths. David S. Rose has achieved an incredible level of success as one of the world most prolific angel investors, and I know of no other angel having as much fun! His story gives you an insiders view of the world of start-up investing that will be appreciated whether you are a first-timer or an investment veteran. Angel Investing will help you discover your style faster, and with fewer costly mistakes. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!"
Jeff Stewart
CEO of Lenddo, Chairman of Mimeo.com, angel investor
"David S. Rose’s new book sheds light on the exciting world of angel investing; a growing sector that is rife with risk in the absence of the guidance David provides. Anyone with a passion for innovation or an interest in startup investing should read this book."
Heidi & Stephen Messer
Co-founders of LinkShare, angel investors
“What a terrific book! David S. Rose, my co-investor and fellow board member in high tech startups for many years, talks his walk in this book. Angel Investing is a comprehensive perspective into early stage technology investing that will help any prospective angel investor.”
Dan McKinney
Managing Partner, NextStage Capital
“As an entrepreneur in whom David S. Rose has invested, I have seen him live by the rules he shares in the pages of Angel Investing. From a seed idea to a profitable company, he has provided invaluable counsel and thoughtful support during the often choppy waters of a startup journey, bringing his unique passion and enthusiasm informed by integrity and experience. In this book he lays out the rules of the road for making smart early stage investments and gives would-be investors the tools to define their goals in this emerging asset class. Whether you are an investor or an entrepreneur, David is unquestionably the guide you want to have at your side throughout your journey."
Steven Rosenbaum
Founder & CEO, Magnify Networks
Author of Curation Nation and Curate This!
“David S. Rose is one part iconic investor, one part eccentric entrepreneur and one part stand-up comic. Angel Investing is required reading for anyone who is thinking about becoming an angel, or raising money from them. David answers all the questions that everyone is afraid to admit that they don’t really get…in simple, straightforward, and downright delightful prose. The result is an oxymoron: an entertaining textbook that is actually understandable and jam-packed with information you can really use.”
Patty Meagher
Founder, Stamford Innovation Center
Finally, the definitive book on the subject, by New York's favorite angel, David S. Rose! Angel Investing is a clear, thorough and delightful guide to the pleasures and pitfalls of supporting exciting young companies.
Sunny Bates
Connector, Entrepreneur, Ignitor of Ideas
“David S. Rose’s philosophy and tips have been hall marks of Go Beyond Investing members' investment strategy, and it works! We are getting returns, making a difference and having fun."
Brigitte Baumann
International Angel Investor since 2003
Founder and CEO of Go Beyond Investing
President Emeritus EBAN
“Angel investing is one of the key reasons for the economic dynamism of the US economy in recent decades, and there is a lot to learn from this experience for other regions of the world. David S. Rose's Angel Investing is definitely a very important contribution to the industry, and the book provides great insight into the fun of being a business angel. Like being a grandparent, you get to enjoy the kick of a start-up without having to work 24/7."
Peter Jungen
Former President and Co-Founder of Business Angels Netzwerk Deutschland e.V. (BAND) and
Co-Founder of the European Business Angel Network (EBAN)
“David has a special way of bringing his real-life experience into the classroom. With this new book he provides an authoritative reference on the art of angel investing. It is a valuable and welcome resource for entrepreneurs and angels alike!”
Murray B. Low, PhD
Director of Entrepreneurship Education
The Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center
Columbia Business School
“Angel Investing is a must-read for all angels, as well as for entrepreneurs who are serious about raising money. It is highly relevant for angel investing in Asia, as many fundamentals are the same as in the US. I look forward to this book being translated into many languages to benefit readers internationally.”
Allen Yeung
Founding Chairman
Hong Kong Business Angel Network
New Page
New Page
Start and scale a high-growth business in 25 steps
The Startup Checklist was written for entrepreneurs who want to create something really big—not a home-based business or community storefront—but potentially the next billion dollar “unicorn.” It is the essential companion for innovators and visionaries who have the passion, drive, and creativity to launch a great company, but need a structured, nuts-and-bolts guide to the hundreds of complex challenges facing a founder on the way from coming up with a business model to executing a successful M&A or IPO exit.
While most entrepreneurship books focus on strategy, this invaluable guide provides the concrete steps for getting a new business off to a strong start. Inside, legendary entrepreneur and angel investor David S. Rose opens up about the ins and outs of startup execution, management, legal issues, and practical processes throughout the launch and growth phases. More than four decades of experience in founding or funding over 100 high-growth startups has shown him the pitfalls of building on creaky foundations, which often result in over two thirds of startup costs going to clean up legal and practical problems that could have been easily avoided. To ensure that tomorrow’s disruptive business ideas don’t fail on execution, this in-depth guide provides a step by step route to create a rock-solid framework designed to support your business’s evolution. Keep this game-changing guide at your side to:
Navigate the critical intricacies of legally incorporating and running a startup
Learn how to build and incentivize a startup team with founders equity and options
Make tough decisions confidently with expert advice from a 360-degree perspective on growing and investing in startups
Reach your highest aspirations without stumbling by marking off your progress on The Startup Checklist.This book is designed for a very specific type of business starter: the entrepreneur who is deliberately setting out to create a scalable, high-growth business designed for the 21st century; a business that will hire employees, issue stock options, raise money from outside investors, grow rapidly, and eventually either be acquired by a larger company or “go public” through an initial public offering. Starting that kind of business gets very complicated, very quickly, and making even small mistakes at the beginning can cause problems at every later step along the way.
These mistakes include the fundamental (starting a business that just doesn’t make sense) to the painful (hooking up with people whose interests are divergent from yours) to the tragic (getting equity allocations wrong at the beginning and never being able to recover), all the way to the really, really expensive (making simple mistakes at the incorporation level that result in five- and six-figure clean-up costs the first time a serious investor is thinking of supporting you).
This book is your one-stop checklist to starting up right. It assumes no prior knowledge about business—just a strong desire to create something seriously big, and to do so in the most effective, most efficient, and least expensive way possible. David S. Rose, a serial entrepreneur who is one of the world’s leading startup investors, walks along beside you throughout the process, providing the background you need to understand the whys in addition to the whats and the hows. He takes you step-by-step through the nitty gritty practical tasks of starting up a high-growth venture, introduces you to the latest online tools that will save you time and money, points you to the standard books that should be in every entrepreneur’s library, and gives you a peek behind the curtains of the angel investor and venture worlds.
Among the concrete steps covered are:
Translating your idea into a compelling business model
Allocating equity among your startup team
Incorporating as a Delaware “C” corporation
Recruiting your boards of Directors and Advisors
Measuring your business with data analytics
Establishing a stock option plan
Understanding the funding process
Crowdfunding with online platforms
Negotiating investment term sheets
Reap the benefits of success through acquisition
Start your venture the right way, with The Startup Checklist.