Investor Share Dilution Protection

When an investor invests an amount in a startup company exchange for equity, how do they protect themselves from being significantly diluted by a larger investor? And is that even an issue?

It certainly can happen. There are a few things I've seen early-stage seed investors do to protect themselves from dilution:

• Have the right of first refusal on any new funding rounds that are needed. That way the early stage investor can grow their investment in the company as the company matures.
• Get a seat on the board and be part of any decisions for future funding
• Similar to a board seat, acquire a controlling stake in the company and ensure that any funding decisions are the investor's to make

In general, angel investors will be diluted by new rounds of funding, but the investors and founders will be affected equally by new rounds of money. What it comes down to is working with the founders and helping them make the company succeed- sometimes more investment means you get a smaller slice of the pie, but the overall pie will get a lot bigger.