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Investors are essential for the establishment and operation of any business. Investors provide financial support and corporate advice to a company. Investors are not necessarily involved with a business's daily operations; however, they earn money when a company becomes profitable. Investor's generally share a proportion of a company's stock or profit.

There are different kinds of investors. Some focus on the stock market, and others operate brokerage firms or financial institutions. Investors may work as consultants, or they may own a faction of a company.

Venture Capital

Venture capitalists identify companies with potential for fast growth. These companies tend to have thorough business models and are looking for funding to become established. Venture capitals will provide money for a new business to launch and operate. In return, they may ask for shares or partial ownership of the company.

Angel Investors

Angel investors are people who seek to invest their money in a business. The investment can be in the form of startup financing or business capital. Angel investors may ask for shared ownership or profit shares in the business. The money for investment can come from another business, a trust, or a liability company. Many angel investors collectively put their resources together to help each other or another business venture.

Corporate Bonds

Corporate bonds allow investors to own part of a business. Bond values may rise or fall depending on the financial situation of the business. A company with debt can sell corporate bonds to raise money for the business. Each corporate bond achieves a maturity value over a certain period of time. At the end of the bond period, the company will repay the corporate bond value to the buyer. All business organizations except nonprofit organizations can provide corporate bonds.


When you purchase stock or equity shares from a company, you own a share of the company. There are different types of stocks including preferred stocks and common stocks. A company sells shares as a strategy to generate additional income.

Stock Options

Stock options are agreements between buyers and sellers. They are contracts that govern rights to purchase or sell a stock at a given price within a particular period of time. The buyer can choose to sell or buy the stocks within the stipulated time. This privilege lies with the buyer who decides what to do depending on the financial climate. Sometimes, companies will provide stock options to employees as a reward or bonus.

Initial Public Offerings

Companies can sell stock to raise capital when planning to expand or develop. Initial public offerings are the shares that a company releases for the first time. Underwriting firms typically issue initial public offerings. Underwriters determine the number of shares to be offered, time frames, and other relevant matters. After releasing an initial public offering, a business can become a publically traded company. If you want to raise money for your business, you can offer low price stocks and shares for people to purchase.

Last Updated: December 19, 2011
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