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Angel investment and first impressions

Author

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  • Huang, Xing
  • Ivković, Zoran
  • Jiang, John Xuefeng
  • Wang, Isabel Yanyan

Abstract

We examine the role of first impressions in angel investor decision-making. Video stills of entrepreneurs pitching on the Shark Tank show and in Startup Battlefield competitions yield six measures of first impressions of entrepreneurs’ facial traits and two principal components: one that captures general ability and the other that contrasts charm and managerial ability. We find positive associations between both components and the likelihood of entrepreneurs receiving an investment offer or winning a competition round. Post-event business outcome analyses reveal that investors internalize entrepreneurs’ general ability rationally but exhibit irrational tendencies when internalizing entrepreneurs’ charm and managerial ability. Investment experience mitigates investors’ irrational use of charm and managerial ability cues.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Xing & Ivković, Zoran & Jiang, John Xuefeng & Wang, Isabel Yanyan, 2023. "Angel investment and first impressions," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 149(2), pages 161-178.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:149:y:2023:i:2:p:161-178
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2023.05.001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Angel investment; First impressions; Facial Traits; Entrepreneurship; Behavioral finance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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