Venture capital can be a hard way to find success. While financial windfalls are possible, over 50% of VC funds fail to make money. Still, Jed is a testament to strategic financial foresight in an uncertain and ever-changing marketplace. His journey, punctuated by early solo ventures and the wisdom gained from seeding two unicorn startups, underscores a truth often overlooked: Angel investing is as much about the investor’s acumen as it is about a startup’s potential.
Jed’s initiation into the venture capital world wasn’t through high-powered investment banks or elite mentorship programs. “I was a self-taught angel, learning the ropes one investment at a time,” he reflects. This hands-on, trial-by-fire approach had its setbacks. Through direct deals and other syndicates, Jed honed his instincts and discovered that successful angel investing is a skill-based game. The common axiom that “it takes deep pockets and lots of bets isn’t always the best path.
“It’s a nuanced ecosystem,” Jed explains, “You’re not just putting capital into a venture; you’re investing in a vision, a future.” This philosophy, shaped by triumphs and tribulations, became the foundation for AngelSchool.vc, his endeavor to mentor the next generation of angel investors.
However, AngelSchool.vc isn’t your run-of-the-mill education program. It’s the culmination of Jed’s real-world experiences in venture as a self-taught angel. Their flagship program, the Syndicate Program, mirrors Jed’s journey, tapping into the power of syndicate deals.
“Syndicates magnify impact,” Jed states, a nod to his belief in collaborative investment. “They improve deal access, enable deeper diligence and greater diversification of capital.” This idea isn’t just a theory; Jed’s syndicate has over a thousand LPs backing him, a testament to the trust accrued through community, expert diligence and empowering angels to build their portfolio.
Jed is now returning to his roots. “The experience for most angel investors is akin to learning to play poker by asking friends about the rules, then sitting down at a casino poker table. There’s got to be a better way.“ He’s now codified seven years of investing experience into his new Venture Fundamentals program.
Venture Fundamentals stands out for its commitment to efficient learning and experiential education. “10 hours of learning and real deal experience,” Jed points out, highlighting the program’s focus on live diligence participation. It’s not just about learning to analyze; it’s about making informed decisions, understanding market dynamics, and, crucially the art of patience…with the support of a community of other angel investors..
Jed’s approach to education mirrors his investment philosophy: personalized, insightful, and holistic. “We want education to be a real enabler, not a factory optimizing throughput for the sake of monetization. It’s incredibly rewarding when we help someone write their 1st angel check because we’ve equipped them with the know-how to be successful,” he emphasizes. This ethos resonates throughout the program, from its hands-on curriculum to the lifelong angel investor network offered to participants.
As the venture capital landscape evolves, Jed’s journey from a single angel investor to a respected mentor for burgeoning syndicates offers valuable insights. His emphasis on collaborative growth, strategic empathy, and informed risk-taking presents a fresh perspective in a field often overshadowed by financial metrics.
In bridging the gap between knowledge and experience, Jed is shaping a new breed of angel investors. They’re not just financiers; they’re thought leaders, change-makers, and, above all, believers in the transformative power of collective effort and vision in venture capital.
For more information, Jed is launching his Venture Fundamentals Course on Nov. 2nd; you can apply early for the waitlist. In this course, Jed gives emerging angel investors the knowledge and support community they need to be successful. It’s everything he wished he knew before getting started.
