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§ Angel Group · Berkeley, CA, USA
Angel investment group providing seed funding, mentorship, coaching, and networking for early-stage startups with UC Berkeley ties.
The Berkeley Angel Network is a Berkeley, California-based angel investment group composed of university alumni and faculty that provides early-stage capital and mentorship to startups affiliated with the UC Berkeley community. Operating as a membership-based syndicate of 50 to 100 active accredited investors, the organization pools personal funds to deploy capital ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per company across pre-seed to Series B funding rounds. The network evaluates approximately 60 applicants per quarter, selecting four companies to pitch for investments across diverse sectors including software, biotechnology, financial technology, and artificial intelligence. The group leverages its ties to the UC Berkeley ecosystem to back early-stage ventures such as the insurtech startup Jumpstart, which secured $400,000 in angel funding directly from the network. The Berkeley Angel Network was originally founded in 2011 by George Willman and Shawn Dastmalchi.
Key people at Berkeley Angel Network.
Berkeley Angel Network (BAN) is an angel investor community primarily composed of UC Berkeley alumni, faculty, and former faculty members. Its mission is to build a collaborative network that enhances the collective skills and knowledge of angel investors within the UC Berkeley ecosystem, supporting early-stage startups—especially those founded by UC Berkeley students, alumni, or based on Berkeley technology. BAN focuses on pre-seed and seed investments in sectors such as fintech, AI, health tech, and blockchain, emphasizing capital-efficient startups with strong teams, scalable business models, and proven market traction. Beyond funding, BAN provides mentorship and coaching to first-time entrepreneurs, fostering growth and entrepreneurship education within the Berkeley community and the broader startup ecosystem[1][2][3][4].
Founded as an affinity group within the Berkeley Haas Alumni Network, BAN leverages the deep expertise of its members, many of whom have experience in building and investing in successful companies. The network operates informally with volunteer members who meet SEC accredited investor criteria and share a passion for supporting Berkeley-affiliated startups. BAN hosts regular pitch meetings, educational seminars, and networking events to facilitate investment opportunities and skill development. Its investment philosophy prioritizes long-term growth, hands-on operational support, and strategic partnerships to help portfolio companies scale effectively[1][2][3][4].
BAN rides the trend of university-affiliated angel networks that leverage academic innovation and alumni connections to accelerate startup success. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for early-stage capital and mentorship in tech-driven sectors like AI and fintech. By focusing on capital-efficient startups, BAN aligns with market forces favoring sustainable growth and reduced dependency on large follow-on funding rounds. Its influence extends beyond funding, as it cultivates entrepreneurship education and a culture of giving back, thereby strengthening the Bay Area and global startup ecosystems[3][4].
Looking ahead, Berkeley Angel Network is poised to deepen its impact by expanding its investor base and continuing to support high-potential startups emerging from UC Berkeley’s innovation pipeline. Trends such as AI, blockchain, and health tech will likely shape its investment focus. As the network grows, its role as both a capital provider and a mentorship hub will enhance its influence, helping to nurture the next generation of transformative companies while reinforcing the entrepreneurial spirit within the Berkeley community and beyond[1][2][3][4].
Key people at Berkeley Angel Network.
Berkeley Angel Network has more than 26 tracked investments across 23 companies. The latest tracked deal is $175.0M Pre-Seed in Theta Neurotech in March 2026.
