I am an Angel Investor in over 50 start-ups.

I invest my own money. Always have. I don't manage a fund, incubator, or accelerator. I don't accept start-up payola for my investments. No advisor shares, no board seats, no 18 year-old interns.

An early pioneer of direct access trading technology, I was among the first barbarians at Wall Street's gate. I started with $7,000. An Angel gave me $25,000.

I became one of the most successful independent traders of the decade.

Trading and Angel Investing have nothing in common. Don't follow me into the Angel abyss just because I've been successful elsewhere. Truth is, I was in the right place, at the right time, and young enough not to know better.

I am drawn to Angel Investing for the same reason others may be drawn to charity or politics. I believe that entrepreneurism pays dividends greater than can be quantified. Money I set aside for Angel Investing is money I assume I will not see again.

Expect to lose everything you invest here. Do not expect a return on your investment. Do not expect a return of your investment. Temper your expectations in such a way and you will not be disappointed.

That said, I play to win. I invest in people first. And I do my own due diligence.

And yeah, I won't hesitate to check a criminal file or pull a credit report. You'd be surprised how many deviants and bloodsuckers are fluttering amongst us Angels.

Somebody once gave me a start. It feels good to do the same. Nothing better than living the start-up life...except maybe reflecting back on it.

I have fond memories of my start; the long stretches of Taco Bell, rationing a case of Milwaukee's Best and living out of my car in a Hackensack parking lot.

I'm not quite ready to do it again. Until then, I live vicariously through some incredible founders and inspiring entrepreneurs.

I'm thrilled to have you along.

I am syndicating those deals where I have invested $100k or more. They are my best ideas.