Startup investors in San Diego
The angel conference, incubator and programs that connect San Diego founders with investors, what each publishes about itself, and how to reach it.
All amounts are in US dollars.
Who invests in startups in San Diego?
San Diego founders can compete for an investment from the San Diego Angel Conference, now run by San Diego State University's Lavin Center, and apply to EvoNexus, a nonprofit incubator with residency in San Diego or Irvine that introduces companies to angels and VCs. Connect runs the Springboard accelerator. Southern California angel groups such as Pasadena Angels also take applications from across the US.
Angel networks in San Diego
| Network | How it works | Who it looks for | Fees | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Angel Conference | Investors train together, form a fund and pick finalists to pitch at a one-day conference. The 2026 conference was June 26, 2026. The fund targets $200,000 in one or more startups, depending on total dollars raised. | Not published | Investor fees: $1,000 for new members, $500 for returning ones. No founder fee published | Through the Lavin Center's SDAC pages; no founder application dates published for the next cycle |
| Pasadena Angels | Monthly screening meeting; typically invests $150,000 to $750,000 | US C-corporations with an MVP and two or more founders, in technology; California first, but US applications welcome | None published | Apply for Funding link on its site |
Funds that invest in San Diego startups
No San Diego venture fund that publishes its terms and an open application route was confirmed for this page. Funds that do take applications from Southern California are on the Los Angeles page.
Programs that put founders in front of investors
- EvoNexus. A nonprofit incubator offered at no cost, with up to two years of incubation. EvoNexus buys 1% common stock on admission. For startups past the idea stage, with at least two full-time team members and a presence in San Diego or Orange County, typically pre-seed to pre-Series A, incorporated and with at least 6 months of runway. Apply through its application form.
- Connect Springboard. Connect's flagship accelerator, offering guidance, validation and introductions to help founders raise. Connect doesn't publish cost, equity or eligibility on its homepage; contact its team.
Which route fits your company?
| If your situation is… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Past the idea stage, two full-time people, San Diego or Orange County presence | EvoNexus | Its published eligibility |
| Two or more founders, tech with an MVP, valued $1 million to $15 million | Pasadena Angels | Its published criteria |
| Want a structured pitch to a pooled angel fund | San Diego Angel Conference | Its format |
Meeting an organization's criteria means you can apply, not that it will invest.
Plan for six months of runway.
EvoNexus asks for at least 6 months of runway on entry, so apply before cash gets tight.
What should you have ready before you apply?
- Proof of incorporation and runway, for EvoNexus.
- A team of at least two full-time people.
- A 3 to 5 year pro forma, if you also apply to Pasadena Angels.
For how to run the raise itself, see how to raise a seed round.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the San Diego Angel Conference invest?
Its fund targets $200,000 in one or more startups. The final amount depends on total dollars raised.
Does EvoNexus take equity?
Yes. It buys 1% common stock when a company is admitted, and the program itself is offered at no cost.
Who runs the San Diego Angel Conference now?
San Diego State University's Lavin Entrepreneurship Center.