In early-stage investing, spreadsheets, valuations, and term sheets only tell part of the story. The real foundation of successful angel investing is something far less tangible but far more decisive: trust.
In this short video conversation, Rui Falcão, CEO of COREangels, shares a candid perspective on why trust sits at the core of every strong founder–investor relationship.
Trust Starts Before the Investment
Rui highlights a key reality of angel investing: investors often back founders long before traction, certainty, or scale exist. At that stage, trust is built through alignment on values, transparency, communication, and long-term intent.
Angel investors are not just capital providers. They are early partners, sounding boards, and, at times, stabilizing forces during difficult moments. Without trust, even the most promising startup can struggle to navigate growth.
Why This Matters for Angels and Founders Alike
For angels, trust enables:
- Open conversations when things don’t go as planned
- Constructive support instead of reactive pressure
- Long-term commitment beyond short-term results
For founders, trust creates:
- Psychological safety to share challenges early
- Access to experience, networks, and honest feedback
- Stronger governance from the very beginning
As Rui explains, trust isn’t built after the investment—it’s the reason the investment happens at all.
Watch the Full Conversation
This conversation is a reminder that angel investing is ultimately a human business driven by relationships, shared purpose, and mutual respect.
If you believe angel investing should be built on trust, alignment, and long-term collaboration, we invite you to explore the COREangels ecosystem.
👉 Join our community, learn from experienced angels, and invest alongside peers who value more than just returns.
