Sig Mosley on the Importance of Strategic Partnerships Between Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors (Part 2)

In the second part of our conversation with Sig Mosley, Managing Partner with Mosley Ventures, the expert investor continues to share his knowledge on the strategic partnership between entrepreneurs and angel investors. Widely known as ‘The Godfather of Angel Investing’, Mosley has been the most prolific investor in the southeast for the last 30 years. He currently serves on the board of directors of 16 private companies and was inducted into the Georgia Technology Hall of Fame in 2007.

Mosley opens the conversation by discussing the need for a co-investor when engaging with an entrepreneur. The additional investor can be either an angel investor or a venture capitalist that brings additional value, knowledge, and resources to the table. Mosley describes two specific reasons why bringing in another investor is more beneficial than going alone.

“One is for the additional help they can bring to the company,” said Mosley, “and two, I don’t want to be the only one sitting at the table when it comes time to write another check.”

While entrepreneurs are often talented in developing products and solutions, they often lack proper business skills that investors pinpoint when looking for a partner. Mosley says investors should be looking for entrepreneurs who are willing to learn and take advice. While it’s important for entrepreneurs to lean on investors, they must also ensure that they don’t become completely dependent on them. Mosley says that a healthy partnership is built on the ability of the entrepreneur to display a good decision-making process.

Not all investments are winners. Mosley is quick to say that as an investor, you lose more times than you win.

“The rule of thumb on ten investments is, five will go to zero, two will give you back your money, two you will make some money on, and you hope to have one homerun.”

Mosley concludes by sharing a glimpse into his partnership with the Zane Venture Fund. The Fund is geared to take a broad look at diversity and inclusion, helping good businesses get good returns. Zane is building a community of entrepreneurs across the southeast through its availability to all early-stage companies led by diverse founders and teams.

Be sure to check out the first part of our conversation with Sig Mosley here on the Atlanta Small Business Network.

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