What is the difference between a angel investor and a venture capitalist?

Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who provide personal funds to startups in exchange for equity, often during the early stages of a company. In contrast, venture capitalists (VCs) are part of firms that manage pooled funds from multiple investors and usually invest in later-stage companies with high growth potential. While angel investors often offer mentorship and guidance alongside their financial support, VCs tend to focus more on scaling businesses and achieving significant returns on investment. Additionally, VCs generally have more stringent investment criteria and may require a more structured business model.