Angel: A Must Read Book for Aspiring Investors

When I started angel investing, I felt completely out of my depth. I’d built and exited businesses, but the leap from operator to investor was daunting. I made mistakes - plenty of them - and questioned whether I was cut out for this space. That’s why Jason Calacanis’s Angel is a book I wish I’d read earlier.

Calacanis breaks down what it takes to succeed as an angel investor, and he does it in a way that feels accessible, even if you don’t have a background in finance or a rolodex full of VC connections. Coming from humble beginnings himself, he makes the case that anyone with focus and grit can thrive in this world.

For me, the book hit home because it reinforced the importance of betting on people. Some of my best investments - like Adzoo, Daymade, Spond or backing MedTech startups - have come from trusting exceptional founders. But it’s not just intuition; Angel helped me sharpen how I assess opportunities, manage risk, and build relationships with entrepreneurs.

If you’re thinking about investing in startups, or if you’re already in the game and want to refine your approach, Angel offers practical, no-nonsense advice from one of the best in the business. It’s the kind of book that turns self-doubt into informed action. A must-read for investors and founders alike.