Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Alliance of Angels and how do I contact them?

The Alliance of Angels is a group of private investors who invest in early-stage technology companies. Their names and contact information are confidential. However, should you be invited to present your business plan at our monthly meeting, you will have an opportunity to meet them. In general, our members are CEOs or senior executives of local high tech firms or recently retired technology executives. In addition, we also have among our membership representatives of local venture capital firms. To initiate contact with the Alliance of Angels, please contact the Program Managers at info@allianceofangels.com. T

What are the benefits of an investment from the Alliance of Angels?

The immediate benefit is cash that a young company needs to conduct operations and grow its business. But more importantly, the Alliance of Angels represents the Northwests most experienced and best networked private investors, with substantial experience in software, hardware, telecommunications, internet infrastructure, e-commerce, finance, and biotech. Our members represent the Northwests essential group of smart money and they know what it takes to make a small company grow.

How large is the Alliance of Angels fund and how do you decide to invest?

The AoA does not invest a fund. Rather, our members invest as individual private investors. It is possible for a group of our investors to form a single legal entity and pool their investment, or for a group to invest on a single term sheet. The individual members decide for themselves whether or not to invest in a company.

What is the process by which a start up can present a business plan to the Alliance of Angels?

The first step is to submit an executive summary to the business plan submission page. Upon approval, we will then begin our own screening process. If we are interested in your proposal, we will contact you and ask you to present a 10-minute Powerpoint presentation (it will be timed) on your business plan. At this point if we are still interested, we will invite you to present your Powerpoint to the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will then make the final determination as to who will present their business plans to the entire Alliance of Angels membership.

What is the fee for submitting a business plan and the screening process?

There is a $95 fee for submitting a business plan on our website. There are no additional fees for companies that go on to meet with the program managers or to present to our Screening Committee. We ask companies presenting at our luncheons to cover the cost of their lunches, which is $30 per person for up to 4 company representatives. The AoA is a non-profit organization and only charges the application submission fee to help cover part of the cost of reviewing the business plans and working with startups. The AoA does not charge additional fees for presenting to our members, and does not collect secturities or warrants from entrepreneurs. This forum is viewed by the members as a community service that ultimately benefits the general local technology economy. More information on the mission of the Alliance of Angels and its parent organization can be found at www.technology-alliance.com.

What type of companies do the Alliance of Angels like to see?

The short answer is, any technology company or other high-growth company that promises an excellent return on investment. To expand, we are looking for companies with a sustainable competitive advantage, or proprietary technologies, that are based in Washington state, or the vicinity. The companies should be early stage, meaning pre-mezzanine round. We will consider companies both with or without lead investors, or VC backing, pre or post revenues or customers, or with complete or incomplete management teams. The bottom line, we are looking for companies that hold great potential, and who we can believe in as much as the founders.

Is there a typical investment size that the members like to make?

Our members will invest anywhere between $25,000 to $1,000,000+. We have reviewed companies that are raising anywhere between $250,000 and $10,000,000. Some investors like to invest individually, and others like to co-invest with their colleagues.

How long does the screening process take?

The length of the process depends upon the number and quality of plans submitted. Our response may be immediate or within a few weeks. If we do not contact you within a month, it means your plan has not been selected for review by the members.

Can I view my plan once it has been submitted?

The Alliance of Angels site is accessible to members only. You can feel confident that our members are the only individuals who will view your submission.

How will I know if my plan has been selected?

All business plan submissions are reviewed; you will be contacted if you have been selected for screening, or to present to the membership.

What happens if my plan is not selected?

Once your plan is submitted and approved, it will remain active on the web site. Our members have password access to the plans. If your plan is not selected to present to the membership, you may still be contacted by an individual investor who reviews your plan online.

How successful are companies that present their business plans?

10% of all the companies that have presented their business plans to the Alliance of Angels are now public or have been acquired by public companies. Additionally, 65% of the companies that have presented to the Alliance of Angels have obtained backing from private investors or venture capital firms. If you have additional questions send email to info@allianceofangels.com.