Investment Criteria
Wake Angel Network primarily considers pre-seed, seed, and select Series A companies. We prioritize companies with strong founding teams, large or expanding market opportunities, evidence of product-market validation, capital-efficient growth potential, defensible differentiation, and clear pathways to follow-on financing.
Stage
Pre-seed, seed, and select Series A companies.
Team
Strong founding teams with conviction, relevant experience, and the ability to execute.
Market
Large or expanding market opportunities with meaningful growth potential.
Evidence of product-market validation, customer demand, or willingness to pay.
Validation
Differentiation
A defensible edge through technology, data, distribution, domain expertise, intellectual property, or another durable advantage.
Follow-On Potential
A credible path to future capital, strategic partners, or institutional investor interest.
Sector Focus
Wake Angel Network is sector-agnostic and considers compelling opportunities across industries. We are particularly interested in areas where our members and the broader Wake Forest community can bring relevant experience, relationships, and expertise.
Artificial Intelligence & Data
B2B Technology & Services
Enterprise Software
Healthcare Technology
Consumer Packaged Goods
Fintech
Companies outside these sectors may still be considered.
Wake Forest Connection
Companies considered by Wake Angel Network must have a meaningful connection to the Wake Forest community. This connection may be established through a member of the company’s leadership or through another significant relationship with the broader Wake Forest entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Leadership Connection
A founder, executive team member, or board member who is a Wake Forest alumnus, current student, faculty member, or staff member, or a parent of a current Wake Forest University student or a Wake Forest alumnus or alumna.
Broader Wake Forest Connection
Another meaningful relationship with the Wake Forest community, subject to review and approval by Wake Angel Network.
Investment Process
Wake Angel Network follows a curated review process designed to identify strong opportunities, support thoughtful diligence, and aggregate member interest efficiently.
01
Submit Application for Funding
Founders submit company information, including stage, sector, fundraising details, traction, pitch materials, and Wake Forest connection.
02
Screening & Preliminary Review
Selected companies meet with Wake Angel Network leadership for an initial presentation and preliminary review of the business, financing round, terms, and key diligence considerations. Additional screening may be required.
03
Member Pitch
Companies that advance are invited to pitch to the Wake Angel Network membership.
04
Non-Binding Indication of Interest
Following the pitch, members may submit a non-binding indication of interest, including an estimated investment amount. This helps Wake Angel Network determine whether sufficient interest exists to proceed to deeper diligence.
05
Due Diligence
The Wake Angel Network team, interested members, and, when needed, outside subject-matter experts conduct deeper review of the company, market, financing terms, traction, risks, and opportunity.
06
Final Member Commitment & Allocation
Following diligence, interested members independently decide whether to invest and submit their desired investment amount. If member demand exceeds the available allocation, investments are generally allocated among participating members on a pro rata basis.
07
SPV Formation & Funding
Participating members invest through a transaction-specific special purpose vehicle (SPV), administered by Sydecar, which invests in the company as a single entity on the capitalization table. The one-time cost of SPV creation and ongoing management is passed to the company and covers 10 years of SPV management.
Submit an Application for Funding
The application has seven short sections and takes about 15 minutes. Before you start, have your pitch deck (PDF or link) and your current round details on hand.
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1. About You – your name, title and contact information
2. Company – company name, website, sector and legal entity
3. Wake Forest Connection – how your founders, executives or board are connected to Wake Forest
4. The Round – amount raising, instrument, valuation or cap, and commitments to date
5. Traction – product stage, revenue and key metrics
6. Team – founders and leadership
7. Materials – upload your pitch deck or share a link
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Use the Next button to move between sections; you can go back at any time before submitting.