Startup investors in Los Angeles
The angel groups and seed fund that take applications from Los Angeles and Southern California founders, what each publishes about itself, and how to reach it.
All amounts are in US dollars.
Who invests in startups in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles founders can apply to TCA Venture Group (formerly Tech Coast Angels), which has Los Angeles, Orange County, Pasadena and Inland Empire networks, and to Pasadena Angels, which TCA lists as one of its networks. Mucker Capital, headquartered in Los Angeles, invests from pre-seed to Series A. Band of Angels, based in Silicon Valley, also holds meetings in Los Angeles.
Angel networks in Los Angeles
| Network | How it works | Who it looks for | Fees | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCA Venture Group | About 400 members across regional networks. Companies go through review, a pre-screen pitch and bi-monthly screening sessions where they try to attract a deal lead, then due diligence. Members invest at least $25,000 each, and TCA funds typically invest at least $100,000 per company. | Mostly US-based companies, with a California preference, at seed, bridge and early Series A | No application fee, except a nominal admin fee for TCA Orange County | Online application; each network links to its own form |
| Pasadena Angels | 4 to 6 companies a month pitch at a screening meeting; the top two present to the full membership. Typically invests $150,000 to $750,000. | US C-corporations (or Canadian equivalent) with an MVP, two or more founders, technology (especially SaaS), and a valuation usually of $1 million to $15 million. California first, but US applications welcome | None published | Apply for Funding link on its site; replies typically in 1 to 3 weeks |
Funds that invest in Los Angeles startups
| Fund | Stage | Published first cheque | Focus and eligibility | How to pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mucker Capital | Pre-seed, seed and Series A | Not published | Internet software and services, in North America and internationally; no relocation needed. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Austin and Toronto | Application on its site |
Programs that put founders in front of investors
- MuckerLab. Mucker's accelerator for pre-seed and seed companies, taking no more than 20 to 25 companies a year in annual cohorts. It has no fixed length and no demo day. Apply through Mucker's Submit Your Company link.
- Band of Angels. The Silicon Valley group meets in Los Angeles as well as the Bay Area and runs a Los Angeles special interest group. See the San Francisco Bay Area page for its terms.
Which route fits your company?
| If your situation is… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| California-based, seed to early Series A | TCA Venture Group | Its stated region and stages |
| Two or more founders, tech with an MVP, valued $1 million to $15 million | Pasadena Angels | Its published criteria |
| Internet software, pre-seed to Series A, anywhere in North America | Mucker Capital | Its stated focus and region |
Meeting an organization's criteria means you can apply, not that it will invest.
Apply to the right TCA network.
TCA's networks use different application pages, and TCA Orange County charges an admin fee that the others don't. Pick the network that matches where you are.
What should you have ready before you apply?
- An investor deck and a financial summary, which TCA's application asks for.
- A 3 to 5 year pro forma with optimistic, pessimistic and most likely revenue cases, which Pasadena Angels asks for.
- Your instrument: Pasadena Angels takes only preferred equity, convertible notes or post-money SAFEs.
For how to run the raise itself, see how to raise a seed round.
Frequently asked questions
Is TCA Venture Group the same as Tech Coast Angels?
Yes. Tech Coast Angels is now called TCA Venture Group, and its old address redirects to the new site.
How much does Pasadena Angels invest?
Typically $150,000 to $750,000, with larger amounts possible through partner networks.
Does TCA charge founders to apply?
TCA says it doesn't charge an application fee, except TCA Orange County, which charges a nominal admin fee.
Does Mucker require me to move to Los Angeles?
No. Mucker says its companies don't need to relocate.