IRVINE, Calif., March 1 Despite the dire economy and lack of available capital (or maybe because of it), Tech Coast Angels (TCA), the largest angel investment network in the U.S., completed seven rounds of new investment deals and 17 follow-on deals in 2009, raising $4.7 million through direct Tech Coast Angels investment and an additional $57 million through other sources of venture capital and angel capital for the network's entrepreneurial companies. According to Richard Sudek, TCA chairman, "We want entrepreneurs to know that there is still a vibrant investment environment in Southern California. We take our responsibility to foster and develop new enterprises very seriously."
Advertisement
While the total investment money available in 2009 declined from the previous year and fewer new deals were completed, 2009 actually saw an increase in the number of follow-on investments. Sudek said, "Clearly our members feel deeply committed to our invested companies and believe in their growth. We not only continue to raise money for them, we also provide day-to-day operating assistance and mentoring that company executives tell us often make the biggest difference in their success."
Advertisement
A number of the invested companies in 2009 were in the high technology arena, a TCA focus, however many other markets were represented. Young companies in entertainment, industrial applications, retail, communications, healthcare, biotechnology and even home improvement received investment dollars.
"We already see 2010 on an upward trend," stated Sudek. "The new programs we've instituted like the Entrepreneur Mixers and SeedTrack will give us the chance to help companies at even earlier stages. As 2009 demonstrates, that early mentoring generally leads to success."
Some of the companies who received funding by Tech Coast Angels in 2009 included: WiSpry; Paradigm Select Assets; MicroPower Technologies; Outside Labs; Mobile XL; Cyber-Rain; Loop'd Network; Vigilistics; Numira; YouMail; Amplyx Pharmaceuticals; Benchmark Revenue; Masher Media; H2scan; MyShape; LeisureLink; PharmaSecure; ElephantDrive; and UsedCardboardBoxes.
About Tech Coast Angels
Tech Coast Angels, www.techcoastangels.com, is the largest angel investor group in the United States. Its members provide funding and guidance to more early-stage, high-growth companies in Southern California than any other investment group. TCA members invest in companies in a wide range of industries, including the life sciences, biotech, IT, services, retail, Internet, financial, software, media, consumer products and tech startups. TCA members give companies more than just capital; they also provide counsel, mentoring and access to an extensive network of potential investors, customers, strategic partners and management talent. TCA has more than 250 members, including its venture capital affiliates, in five networks in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Westlake/Santa Barbara and the Inland Empire. More information on investment with Tech Coast Angels can be found at www.techcoastangels.com, www.facebook.com/techcoastangels or twitter.com/techcoastangels.
SOURCE Tech Coast Angels
