Outlier Investor: Democratizing Angel Investment Knowledge

"Outlier Investor" is a comprehensive book on angel investing that challenges conventional wisdom and provides practical strategies for success in the early-stage investment landscape. Published in 2016, this book distills my years of experience as an angel investor into actionable insights for both aspiring investors and entrepreneurs.

Book Overview

The core premise of "Outlier Investor" is revolutionary yet simple: with experience and modest savings, anyone can become an angel investor. This democratization of angel investing stands in stark contrast to the common perception that angel investing is exclusively for the ultra-wealthy or those with extensive financial backgrounds.

The book presents a unique investment philosophy developed through years of hands-on experience, with over 300 investments across the mobile internet and technology sectors. This approach is characterized by:

• Small investments with significant resource contributions
• A focus on early engagement with promising startups
• A founder-centric investment methodology
• Long-term partnerships rather than quick exits
• Value-add beyond capital through networking and strategic guidance

Motivation Behind the Book

My passion for angel investing extends beyond personal financial gain. I wrote this book to energize the angel investing space and guide others to join and thrive in this rewarding field. After six years of deep involvement in angel investing, I wanted to share insights that would help newcomers navigate more smoothly.

The book was born from the belief that success in investing comes from sharing wisdom and mastering subtleties gained through experience. It infuses life philosophy with practical advice, inspired by the conviction that our thoughts shape our destinies. My goal was to offer investment insights that elevate beyond mere monetary gain and enrich lives.

Notable Endorsements

"Outlier Investor" has received endorsements from some of China's most distinguished angel investors and entrepreneurs:

• 蔡文胜 (Mike Cai), Chairman of Meitu Technology: "In the angel investment community, Lijie is truly an 'outlier.' His entry into the investment world was unconventional... his investment strategy, akin to rapid-fire, involves small amounts but many projects, providing more in the way of networking resources than just capital."

• 杨向阳 (Yang Xiangyang), the former Global Chairman of the Tsinghua Entrepreneur & Executive Club (TEEC) and Chairman of Resources Investment, is a renowned angel investor in China, known for his extensive experience and contributions to the high-tech sector, especially in biomedicine and information technology.

• 徐小平 (Bob Xu), Co-founder of New Oriental Education & Technology Group, a highly respected investor in China, the founding partner of ZhenFund, and is often referred to as the "Godfather of Chinese Angel Investing" for his pioneering role and significant contributions to the angel investment landscape in China.

• 雷军 (Lei Jun), Chairman of Xiaomi Technology and the founder of Kingsoft Corporation. He is recognized as a renowned angel investor in China, having contributed to the rise of several significant tech startups within the country.

• 李开复 (Kai-Fu Lee), a distinguished technologist and entrepreneur, best known for his role as the founding president of Google China. He is the founder of Sinovation Ventures, an influential venture capital firm focused on Chinese technology startups, especially in artificial intelligence. Lee is highly regarded for his insights into the tech industry and as a mentor and supporter of innovation in the tech ecosystem.

• 李竹 (Li Zhu), the founding partner of Innoangel Fund, also serves as the inaugural Chairman of the Tsinghua Alumni Association TMT Committee, the Honorary Chairman of Angel Union, and the Honorary President of the Zhongguancun Angel Investment Alliance, making significant contributions to China's entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem.

• 海泉 (Haiquan), Music producer and cross-border investor: "Lijie is not only a diligent angel investor but also an excellent mentor for those new to angel investing. One of his dreams has always been to evangelize the field of angel investing."

Impact and Audience

The book serves multiple audiences:

For Aspiring Angel Investors:

• Demystifies the process of angel investing
• Provides practical frameworks for evaluating startups
• Offers strategies for portfolio management
• Shares insights on negotiation and deal structure

For Entrepreneurs:

• Explains the investor mindset
• Highlights what angel investors look for in startups
• Provides guidance on effective pitching and relationship building
• Outlines expectations for founder-investor partnerships

For the Broader Ecosystem:

• Contributes to the development of China's entrepreneurial landscape
• Encourages more individuals to participate in early-stage investing
• Promotes knowledge sharing and community building

Unique Investment Approach

My investment style, detailed in the book, has been described as unconventional:

• Starting with just 100,000 yuan when most would consider millions necessary
• A "rapid-fire" approach involving smaller investments across many projects
• Providing more value through networking resources than through capital alone
• Maintaining a genuine curiosity about the future and continuous learning across diverse fields

This book represents not just a guide to angel investing, but a philosophy of approaching business, innovation, and life itself—embracing the role of an "outlier" to find unique paths to success.