2.12 Angels

High-Level Overview

2.12 Angels is a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering early-stage founders by investing in pre-seed and seed-stage enterprise technology companies, primarily in North America. Their mission centers on maximizing value-add per dollar invested, focusing on rapid, founder-friendly decision-making and hands-on support. The firm targets sectors such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud technology, fintech, SaaS, and business support services, with a strong emphasis on B2B and commercial solutions. By prioritizing speed, transparency, and operational guidance, 2.12 Angels has established itself as a trusted partner for founders navigating the critical early phases of company building.

Origin Story

Founded in 2020, 2.12 Angels emerged from a shared vision among its partners to redefine how early-stage venture capital operates. Key figures include Benjamin Orthlieb (Co-Founder and General Partner), Cory Bray (Partner), and Hilmon Sorey (Partner), all based in Tiburon, California. The firm’s approach was shaped by firsthand experience with the challenges startups face in securing timely funding and strategic support. Over time, 2.12 Angels has evolved to specialize in enterprise tech, refining a process that combines deep sector expertise with a streamlined investment workflow, enabling them to back founders at the earliest stages with confidence and speed.

Core Differentiators

• Rapid Decision-Making: Founders receive investment decisions within 24 hours of their second Zoom meeting, setting a new standard for responsiveness in early-stage VC.
• High Value-Add Model: The firm prides itself on delivering outsized support relative to the capital invested, offering mentorship, operational guidance, and access to a robust network.
• Sector Focus: Deep specialization in enterprise technology, particularly AI/ML, cloud, fintech, and SaaS, allows for targeted, informed investments.
• Founder-Centric Approach: Transparent communication, founder-friendly terms, and a commitment to minimizing friction in the fundraising process.
• Track Record: Over 200 investments and exits, with a portfolio spanning high-growth startups across North America.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

2.12 Angels is riding the wave of digital transformation, as enterprises increasingly adopt AI, cloud, and SaaS solutions to drive efficiency and innovation. The firm’s timing is strategic, as the demand for early-stage capital in enterprise tech continues to surge, fueled by remote work, automation, and the rise of vertical SaaS. By focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds, 2.12 Angels fills a critical gap in the ecosystem, helping founders bridge the “valley of death” between idea and product-market fit. Their rapid, founder-first model influences other VCs to prioritize speed and support, raising the bar for early-stage investing.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

2.12 Angels is poised to deepen its impact as enterprise tech continues to evolve, with AI and automation at the forefront. The firm’s ability to move quickly and provide meaningful support positions it as a go-to partner for founders building the next generation of business solutions. As the startup ecosystem becomes more competitive, 2.12 Angels’ focus on value-add and operational excellence will likely set a benchmark for early-stage VC. Their influence will grow not just through portfolio success, but by shaping how venture capital engages with founders at the earliest, most vulnerable stages.