While there is a wealth of data on venture capital and private equity investments, information on high-net-worth (HNW) individuals’ and family offices’ investment habits is scarce. This lack of data has led to misconceptions about their preferences when it comes to investing in startups and capital raising.

Wholesale Investor, a platform that connects HNW investors with investment opportunities, has observed these trends and recently surveyed its subscriber base to provide a clearer picture of HNW investment habits. Here’s what they found:

78% of investors invest between $0 – $250K for their first investment in a company.

When setting your minimum investment at $50K or even $25K, a significant percentage of investors won’t rule themselves out as potential contributors to your venture.

Only 11% are looking to invest $500K and above for their first investment.

By setting your minimum at $500K, you are excluding 89% of potential investors from your opportunity. Some founders may prefer this, but others mistakenly believe that investors will adapt to their desires, which is rarely the case.

14% of investors are looking to invest $1 to $5 million in their follow-on investment, compared to 5% in their initial investment.

This 180% increase suggests that the first investment is often a “keep me interested” move. If the business performs well, these investors are likely to contribute more significant amounts in subsequent rounds.

The main takeaway for founders is that initial investments between $0 and $250K are typical for HNW individuals. If you achieve your key milestones, there is a high potential for larger investments in future rounds.

Embrace and celebrate the smaller investment amounts you receive, as they can lead to greater success in your capital raising and venture capital efforts. Stay focused on your targets and maintain a strong online presence to attract more investors to your venture.