Member Benefits
Wake Angel Network gives members a structured way to access curated early-stage opportunities, collaborate on diligence, and support founders across the Wake Forest entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Curated Deal Flow
Access curated early-stage opportunities from companies connected to the Wake Forest community.
Virtual Pitch Events
Connect directly with founders through virtual company presentations, Q&A sessions, and discussions designed to help members evaluate each opportunity.
Collaborative Diligence
Review company materials, evaluate opportunities, and collaborate with members who bring operating, investing, and sector expertise.
Flexible Participation
Evaluate opportunities on a deal-by-deal basis and decide independently whether to participate in any investment.
Wake Forest Network Effect
Support founders through mentorship, strategic introductions, customer connections, recruiting support, and sector-specific guidance.
Community & Updates
Stay connected through quarterly portfolio updates, exclusive member events, and curated webinars featuring relevant insights and perspectives.
Membership Eligibility
Membership in Wake Angel Network is offered by invitation and is subject to approval. Members must qualify as accredited investors and should have a connection to the Wake Forest community or broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Wake Forest Connection
✓
Relevant connections may include alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, donors, advisors, founders, operators, or other individuals approved by Wake Angel Network.
Annual Dues
✓
Annual membership dues are $1,000. A member’s 12-month membership term begins when payment is received, and dues are renewed annually on that same anniversary date. Membership dues may be partially tax-deductible.
Deal-by-Deal Participation
✓
Members are not required to invest in any particular opportunity and decide independently whether to participate in each deal.
Investment Process
Wake Angel Network follows a curated, deal-by-deal investment process designed to help members evaluate opportunities, collaborate on due diligence, and make independent investment decisions. Members choose whether to participate in each opportunity and generally invest alongside other participating members through a transaction-specific SPV.
01
Application Review
Wake Angel Network reviews prospective companies for Wake Forest connection, investment stage, market opportunity, team quality, traction, financing terms, and potential member interest.
02
Screening & Preliminary Review
Selected companies meet with Wake Angel Network leadership for an initial presentation and preliminary review of the business, financing round, investment terms, available allocation, and key diligence considerations. Additional screening may be required.
03
Member Pitch
Companies that advance are invited to present to Wake Angel Network members, who have the opportunity to hear directly from management, ask questions, and evaluate the opportunity.
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 member interest exists to proceed to deeper diligence.
05
Due Diligence
If sufficient member interest exists, Wake Angel Network coordinates deeper due diligence with WAN leadership, volunteer members, and, when needed, outside subject-matter experts - covering the company, market, financials, financing terms, traction, risks, and opportunity.
06
Final Member Commitment & Allocation
Following diligence, members independently decide whether to invest and submit their final desired investment amount. If member demand exceeds the available allocation, investments will generally be allocated on a pro rata basis.
07
SPV Formation & Funding
Participating members generally invest through a transaction-specific special purpose vehicle, or SPV. Members complete the required investment documents and fund their approved investment amount through the SPV, which invests in the company as a single entity.
The SPV formation and ongoing management are administered by Sydecar, which is a deal-execution platform that handles the legal, banking, compliance, K-1s and tax filings, and administration required to run venture SPVs. Sydecar's one-time fee is passed on to the company and covers 10 years of SPV management.
Investor Notice
Tax Deductibility & Dues
Wake Angel Network has applied to the IRS for recognition as a 501(c)(3) organization, and its application is pending. If recognition is granted, membership dues may be partially tax-deductible. Members should consult their tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.
Wake Angel Network is an independent angel investor network. It is not a venture capital fund, investment adviser, broker-dealer, crowdfunding portal, securities exchange, or investment clearinghouse. Wake Angel Network does not provide investment, legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. All investment decisions are made solely by individual members. Investments in early-stage companies involve substantial risk, including the possible loss of the entire investment.
Membership Interest Form
Please provide your information and connection to the Wake Forest community. A member of the Wake Angel Network team will follow up.