Angel Investment Network

Angel Investment Network (AIN) has become a familiar name among UK founders raising early-stage funding. Established in London in 2004 by childhood friends Mike Lebus and James Badgett, AIN has evolved from a modest startup idea into a global platform connecting founders with thousands of angel investors across 90 countries.

What sets AIN apart from other investor platforms is primarily its sheer scale and ease of access. With over 360,000 investors in its network, AIN claims the title of the world's largest angel investment community. This scale creates an opportunity for founders, particularly those based in the UK, to reach far beyond local investor circles and attract interest from across the globe. The diversity of investors on the platform means that regardless of your startup's niche or sector—from fintech and software to sustainability, healthcare, or creative industries—there's likely to be an interested backer.

AIN operates as a marketplace rather than a traditional venture fund. This means there's no strict investment thesis limiting your sector or growth stage, nor rigid ticket sizes. You could be raising anything from a modest £20,000 to a significant round of several million pounds. Typically, angels on the platform negotiate equity stakes in the 10–30% range, depending on your valuation and the risk profile of your business. The fundraising process itself is straightforward and remarkably fast—once your pitch is prepared and approved, it could be live and attracting investor attention within hours.

AIN's notable success stories include well-known UK startups like What3words, Simba Sleep, Sweatcoin, and SuperAwesome, demonstrating the platform’s track record of supporting startups that go on to achieve significant scale or notable exits. For instance, SuperAwesome was acquired by Epic Games, and influencer marketing platform Fanbytes saw a successful acquisition by Brainlabs.

Beyond funding, founders should expect varying degrees of involvement from AIN investors. Many angels active on the platform pride themselves on bringing "smart money," offering mentorship, strategic guidance, introductions to networks, and industry expertise rather than just capital. However, involvement levels vary greatly by individual investor, so it's crucial to clarify expectations early in conversations.

Feedback from founders who have used AIN is largely positive. Startup leaders have praised its efficient approach and global reach. For instance, Alexandros Christodoulakis, co-founder of fintech startup Wealthyhood, called AIN "time-efficient" and highly effective for raising early-stage capital.

Ultimately, while Angel Investment Network provides a valuable opportunity for founders seeking quick exposure and broad investor reach, remember it's a platform that facilitates connections rather than guarantees investment. You'll still need a compelling pitch, a robust business model, and clear evidence of market traction to attract the right investors. But for early-stage founders looking to rapidly widen their investor pool and gain access to seasoned angels, AIN remains one of the UK's most accessible and practical starting points.