An increasing number of start-up and early-stage businesses in Liverpool city region are seeking funding from angel investors. Writing for LBN, Katie Nicholson from Gateway Angels explains what it really means to be investment-ready, and why preparation matters.

If you are a start-up or early-stage business looking for capital to fuel your next phase of growth, angel investment can be an attractive option.

Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who invest their own money into early-stage businesses, usually in exchange for equity. But angels don’t invest on a whim. To secure funding, founders must demonstrate a credible proposition and show they are genuinely ready for investment.

Based in Liverpool city centre, Gateway Angels – part of MSIF Services – has been connecting angel investors with high-growth potential businesses since launching as the LCR Angel Network in 2018.

Many angels are successful entrepreneurs or senior leaders themselves. Some are exploring alternative investment opportunities, while others want to give back by supporting the next generation of founders. What they share is experience – and that means they are rarely impressed by spin, jargon or unrealistic projections.

At Gateway Angels, investment – ready founders are invited to register their opportunity through our platform, where deals are shared directly with our angel community. Investors decide which opportunities they want to explore further, and founders who stand out are those who are well-prepared, transparent and commercially credible.

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Ultimately, however, it is the founder’s responsibility to convince investors that their business represents an attractive opportunity. Based on what angels consistently look for, here are our key tips for maximising your chances of success:

Be clear on your growth ambition and funding ask

Angel investors back early-stage businesses with credible potential to scale and generate strong returns. Founders should be clear on how much they are raising, how this round fits into a wider funding journey, how the capital will be deployed, and what measurable progress it will unlock. A lack of clarity here is one of the most common reasons investors disengage early.

Get genuinely investor-ready before you pitch

Investor readiness goes beyond a strong idea or a polished deck. Founders need a solid grasp of their numbers, financial forecasts, market opportunity, competitive landscape and growth strategy, alongside the right legal structure and documentation. Awareness of tax relief schemes such as SEIS or EIS can also play an important role in an angel’s decision-making.

Deliver a compelling and credible pitch

A strong pitch tells a clear, concise story while covering the fundamentals: team, product, problem, market, business model and exit potential. Angels value realism and evidence – such as customer traction, pilots or partnerships – far more than hype.

Choose the right angel, not just the capital

Angel investment is a long-term relationship. Founders should seek alignment on expectations, equity and governance, and consider what an angel can bring beyond money, including experience, networks and genuine commitment. Applying at the right time, rather than too early, can make all the difference.