New tech investors: Read this advice from industry leaders

Are you stepping into the fast-moving world of tech investing? Well, we’re excited for you – this is going to be good. We know there’s a lot to learn though, and the sheer pace of change makes investing in this sector feel overwhelming when you’re starting out. 

So we’ve been collecting insights from some of the most experienced investors in tech to help guide you on your journey. Bookmark this page or save their words of wisdom in a swipe-file of reassuring inspiration on your desktop; because from recognising a great startup in a crowd, to understanding the importance of social impact – this advice will help set you up for a rewarding future in tech investing. 

Curiosity comes first 

When we asked LEAP 2025 speaker Elsa Hyland (Angel Investor and Startup Advisor) how she got into tech investing, she said her work with technology started with fintech while she was at university. One thing led to another, and as she gained experience in a business that scaled to unicorn status, she found herself in rooms with world-leading business people, and leaned into her competitive sports background to push through self-doubt, build relationships, and absorb invaluable lessons from the people around her. 

It was this same curiosity and drive that carried her through her first angel investment. And over time, curiosity enabled her to explore both her own ambitions, and the challenges faced by early-stage startups. 

The past couple of years have seen her dedicate herself fully to angel investing. And in 2024, just before she turned 30, Hyland achieved a successful exit that allowed her to reinvest in new startups with a sharper perspective. 

Her approach remains grounded in a simple but powerful philosophy: stay curious and continuously step outside of your comfort zone.

Look beyond the financials

Tech investing isn’t just about money – it’s about relationships, impact, and shaping the future. Vusi Thembekwayo (Managing Partner at MyGrowthFund Venture Partners) prioritises immersive research and engagement with industry experts to filter out the noise. He believes in data-driven decision-making but also recognises the power of adaptability. 

But more than anything, he sees investing as an opportunity to empower others.

Thembekwayo told us that one of his defining career moments came early on when he helped a struggling entrepreneur secure their first round of funding. Being a close-up witness to their transformation and eventual success solidified his understand of his own purpose: 

To nurture potential and help individuals break through barriers. 

And he still deeply values the social impact of his investments. It’s about contributing to a more equitable economy by investing in people and cultivating sustainable change; and he urges other investors (that’s you) to consider the broader consequences of their portfolios. Every investment has the power to drive change. 

This perspective is echoed by Isaac Applbaum (Founder of MizMaa Ventures) who believes that financial success and philanthropy should go hand in hand. He sees business as more than just wealth generation – and instead, emphasises the importance of investing in companies that serve a meaningful societal benefit. 

Get good at identifying a strong investment when you see one 

The startups with the most potential aren’t always the ones with the slickest pitch decks or the heartstopping ideas. Often, startups that have the potential for long-term success (and the potential to offer you a strong ROI) are quieter; but they have the right team, they’re working to solve the right problem, and they’re doing it in the right market at the right time. 

Hyland places strong emphasis on resilience: looking for founders who have the grit to navigate the inevitable challenges that come their way. A startup has to address a genuine problem and have a large enough market to scale; but beyond these fundamentals, she warns against blindly following the crowd. 

Instead, work on your own conviction. Develop your ability to evaluate your own leanings, your own reasons for feeling that a startup is right for you, and learn how to do due diligence. 

Salomon Aiach (Co-Founder at Origins Fund) said that an experienced team with a strong founder-market fit, a scalable business model, and a product that addresses real market needs are critical elements of a promising investment. At Origins Fund, his goal is to back companies that have the potential to disrupt industries, but also make a real difference to people’s lives. 

Stay aware of emerging trends 

Everyone says staying ahead of the curve is critical for investors. And it’s true – but that doesn’t make it easy. We’ll give you a little reassurance here; sometimes, it’s enough to just keep pace with trends, not actually stay ahead of them. Make sure you’re in touch with what entrepreneurs, business leaders, and other investors in your verticals are talking about. 

(Although if you do want to stay ahead, LEAP is the best place in the world to do that. Just saying).

Aiach said he’s particularly excited about opportunities in consumer artificial intelligence, social platforms, marketplaces, gaming, health tech, and B2B2C companies. In 2024 he was geared up for aggressive and opportunistic capital deployment. 

When we spoke to Applbaum, he shared this enthusiasm for AI but was focused on its applications in health diagnostics and mobility. From advancements in autonomous driving safety to AI-powered medical diagnostics and treatment, he pointed to enormous potential in these fields. 

A strong understanding of where the next wave of innovation is headed can make all the difference when you’re ready to make investment decisions. 

Consider new markets – including Saudi Arabia 

There might be more space and resources for you to build your portfolio successfully in emerging or fast-growing markets, rather than more established markets. And Saudi Arabia presents an exciting opportunity for investors at every stage of their careers right now. 

When we asked Hasnae Taleb (Chief Investment Officer at Ento Capital) for her perspective on Saudi Arabia’s ecosystem, she said she’d observed rapid growth here. A strong network of VC firms and strong government support contributes to a boom in startup success, as the nation positions itself as a regional hub for innovation. 

Taleb sees serious potential in this market; and as more successful startups emerge here, more investors are turning their attention to the Saudi Arabia opportunity. 

You’re going to take a winding path 

Investing always brings ups and downs; twists and turns. To become a successful tech investor you can’t just chase the hottest friends or follow the biggest names of the moment. You have to build your own curiosity and conviction, and consider the impact you want to have on the world. 

The best investors stay engaged with industry developments. They build strong relationships and invest in people as much as ideas. They know that financial success and meaningful change aren’t mutually exclusive but can actually go hand in hand. 

So: we’re behind you. We believe you can succeed. Keep these insights in mind, and remember that the right mindset (one that’s tuned into the power of constant learning) and a thoughtful approach to portfolio-building can set you on a path to shaping the future of technology itself.