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Do I have a big ego? Angel investors' narcissism and investment behaviors

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  • Lien, Wan-Chien
  • Chen, Jianhong
  • Sohl, Jeffrey

Abstract

In this study, we draw on the threatened egotism theory to examine the effect of angel narcissism on their investment behaviors and the boundary condition of past investment performance. We propose that angel narcissism is positively related to deal size and portfolio industry diversification but negatively related to the number of co-investors. Moreover, past investment performance moderates these relationships such that the effects of angel narcissism on their investment behaviors are stronger when past investment performance is lower. Data from a longitudinal analysis of 133 angels from 2010 to 2019 largely supported our hypotheses. Our study, the first to examine angel narcissism, highlights the psychological foundation of angel investing.

Suggested Citation

  • Lien, Wan-Chien & Chen, Jianhong & Sohl, Jeffrey, 2022. "Do I have a big ego? Angel investors' narcissism and investment behaviors," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(5).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:37:y:2022:i:5:s0883902622000593
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2022.106247
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