We receive numerous investment opportunities for review from angel groups across the United States. Our relationship with the venture capital community often gives us early looks at deals from them that fit our investment criteria. TCA also has an excellent relationship with the major economic development agencies in Southern California which are often a referral source of entrepreneurial /investment ideas. All of these sources keep our deal pipeline full which is critical in creating a high quality diversified pool of investments for our members.

The first step: learn as much about early stage investing as you can. Get to know your fellow members, the accumulated experience and knowledge of the Tech Coast Angels is a great place to start this process. We offer educational seminars on a regular basis, too. Spend time working with a due diligence team; you’ll learn the unique risks of each investment and improve your investment spotting skills. Lastly, diversify. Invest in multiple deals that you feel are of a high quality and spread your risk; it makes intuitive sense and our computer simulations concur.

That amount might be different for each member based on your net worth, but consider starting modestly. As a member you’re asked to invest a minimum of $50,000 per year, that’s typically in the form of two deals at $25k each.

• The ability to make investments in startups for economic and financial gain through an exit of the startup
• To be part of the movement to support entrepreneurship in southern California and by extension, the rest of the country
• To help existing portfolio companies grow through funding and growth capital
• The ability to offer the affiliate an opportunity to invest as a “strategic” partner thereby gaining an early understanding in new technology and IP
• The potential to be involved early on with a startup and have an inside track on potential acquisition as a strategic advantage based on the entity’s objectives
• A potential opportunity for a board seat depending on funding
• A potential ability to influence the R&D and execution of the startup plan
• The potential to work with a startup on their IP and gain other knowledge from the new startup which can be mutually beneficial to both the entity and the startup
• The opportunity to leverage the expertise of current and new TCA members for due diligence on affiliate deals

• Access to deal flow
• Full membership in Angel Capital Association – for benefits (click here
• Participation in pre-screening activities for new deals

• Participation in the Angel Capital Entrepreneur (ACE) funds as developed
• Access to board members and TCA membership base
• May attend general membership screening meeting 1X year
• May participate in special initiatives developed by TCA
• Invitation to dinner meetings and special TCA events at a 20% discount
• Participation in the Orange County screening panels, and other network screenings as they become enabled by conferencing and WebEx technology

What are the benefits of regular membership?

• Opportunity to help young entrepreneurs with advice and capital
• Full membership in Angel Capital Association – for benefits (click here)
• Opportunity to participate in TCA pre-screening and screening sessions held every few weeks in each network
• Monthly lunches/dinners in each network to see presentations of early stage companies seeking investment, as well as socialize with other members
• Opportunity to lead or participate in due diligence teams, mentor entrepreneurs, and fill board level positions in TCA portfolio companies
• Access to a wealth of expertise, experience, and contacts of over 300 TCA members all willing to help each other with investment ideas or business advice
• A mentor program whereby a new angel investor is assigned to an existing member for support
• Full access to TCA website which contains profiles on all members and documents, descriptions, and due diligence materials on all applicant companies
• Complimentary or discounted rates at various local events of interest to angel investors
• Opportunity to invest in promising young companies while having the potential to earn favorable returns (in 2015 there were 58 such opportunities)
• Opportunity to invest in one of the upcoming ACE Funds, managed by a team of successful angels

We receive numerous investment opportunities for review from angel groups across the United States. Our relationship with the venture capital community often gives us early looks at deals from them that fit our investment criteria. TCA also has an excellent relationship with the major economic development agencies in Southern California which are often a referral source of entrepreneurial /investment ideas. All of these sources keep our deal pipeline full which is critical in creating a high quality diversified pool of investments for our members.

Well, that varies. Successful exits can take several years; it takes time to build a startup. You’ll see failures in your portfolio and they often happen in a year or two. One or two successful exits make up for all the failures, and more. The economy at large has a lot to do with exits, too. During boom years exits came fast and furious, today the climate is more prudent and companies are diligently building value before being acquired. The climate can change quickly. Expect an average startup to grow for 5 or more years before a successful exit.