Comparison
Quick answer
Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who invest their own capital in early-stage startups — typically at the idea or pre-revenue stage. Venture capitalists manage institutional funds and invest other people's money at scale, typically at Seed through Series C and beyond. Both provide startup capital, but with different check sizes, due diligence processes, and expected involvement.
Most successful startups raise angel capital before VC capital — angels fill the earliest, riskiest funding gap. As the company demonstrates traction, VC funding provides the scale capital that angels cannot. Many founders use angel rounds strategically to hit the milestones that will make their company fundable by institutional VCs at a valuation that minimizes dilution. Know which stage you are at and target the appropriate investor type.
Hourly rate
$150–$400/hr
Most common for financial modeling, analysis, and strategy sessions
Per session
$200–$600
Typical for a 60–90 minute advisory or review session
Monthly retainer
$2,000–$8,000/month
For fractional CFO engagements (typically 1–3 days/week)