A super angel is an angel investor who operates with a higher level of activity and influence than typical angel investors. This might show up as investing larger amounts, investing more frequently, or providing strategic advisory through their networks. 

Here’s are some characteristics of Super Angels (gathered via AI):

• Higher Investment Capacity – They typically invest between $100,000 to several million dollars per deal, more than a traditional angel but less than a VC firm.

• Frequent Investors – Unlike traditional angels who invest occasionally, super angels are actively involved in multiple startups at any given time.

• Early-Stage Focus – They primarily invest in seed and early-stage startups, helping companies before they attract venture capital.

• Personal Capital – Unlike VCs who manage institutional funds, super angels usually invest their own money.

• Strong Networks – They often have deep connections in the startup ecosystem, including with VCs, entrepreneurs, and other investors.

• Mentorship & Advisory Role – Many super angels are former entrepreneurs who provide strategic advice and mentorship to startups.

• Some well-known super angels include Ron Conway, Chris Sacca, and Naval Ravikant. Their influence can sometimes rival that of early-stage venture capital firms.

Beyond just writing a check, the most helpful and preferred angel investors offer strategic value that can significantly impact a startup’s success. At First Row, we call it being the “most helpful, least annoying investor.” It shows up as a combination of: bringing capital + high-value expertise / network / credibility + hands-on, but non-intrusive support. 

We often say that angels are a good way for a founder to bring on support that they couldn’t hire. The support you provide outside of funding might include:

• Deep Industry Expertise & Strategic Guidance

• Strong Network & Warm Introductions

• Credibility & Social Proof

• Hands-on Mentorship & Operational Support

• Founder-Friendly Terms & Long-Term Support

• Emotional & Tactical Support

Minimum check sizes may vary by city due to investor access and competition. 

• San Francisco (SF): While the minimum ($25K) is similar here, because of the fluency there, we do see some seasoned investors coming in at much higher amounts ($50K-250K).

• New York (NYC): While fintech/SaaS deals might have minimums similar to Seattle and SF, there may be lower minimums dependent on the sector. 

• Smaller Markets (Austin, Miami, Midwest): Lower checks ($5K–$100K), with more syndicate participation.

Factors like founder preference, round demand, and syndicate options also impact check sizes. Hot SF/NYC deals often have higher minimums, but strategic angels may get in with less.

Additionally, as Nichole and Minda shared, minimums are suggestions – a founder (or fund manager) can always choose to allow smaller checks. Note: For funds, there may be a limitation on a fund manager’s ability to take a smaller check due to the overall # of limited partners (LPs) they can take on. For funds <$10M, they can typically take up to 250 investors, while funds above $10M are limited to 99.

This is totally up to you - if you decide on a sector focus, other things that could provide some diversification include: vintage (or investing across a number of years), geography, stage, etc. At the earliest stages, if you’re unsure which sectors you’re most excited about, rather than choose a sector, you might think about what sectors you don’t want to invest in. For example, there are some sectors that require domain-specific expertise or networks (i.e. life sciences, some fintech).

Yes - we are currently raising and deploying out of Fund II. If you are interested in hearing more about what we’re up to, please reach out to Yoko (yoko@firstrowpartners.vc).