Although there is some overlap, the qualities and habits of a successful investor are not always synonymous with the virtues that make a great angel investor. Both study the market and dive deep into the backgrounds of companies, both are ideally weighing exit strategies and creating long-term plans for their portfolios, and both navigate that tricky valley of risk vs. reward. Nevertheless, there are some traits that stand out as inherent to successful angel investors.

As an up-and-coming angel investor, you need to adopt the responsibilities of becoming a financial pillar of a new entrepreneurial business. Regardless of your reasons for choosing angel investing over other equity investments, there are some common expectations you should be planning for.