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Why Choose Us?
At Pasadena Angels, we are dedicated to empowering visionary innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs. We understand that small businesses are the engines of economic growth and technological advancement. That’s why we provide early-stage companies with more than just capital—we offer mentorship and insights from over 100 accomplished entrepreneurs, senior executives, and industry experts across diverse sectors. Our goal is to help you succeed by equipping you with the resources, experience, and strategic guidance you need to thrive.
Who do we Fund?
We work with companies that have the potential to build scalable and successful businesses. While we invest across a variety of industries, we prioritize ventures with a solid proof of concept that we can help maximize. Below are the key criteria we consider when evaluating applicants:
From the very start, Pasadena Angels made the path to funding straightforward and constructive, asking thoughtful questions and guiding us through due diligence.
Their support went far beyond the two rounds of funding that fueled our growth and helped us secure grants. The board member we gained has been an incredible partner, offering weekly advice and connecting us with the right people at critical moments.
For us, working with Pasadena Angels has meant both financial backing and a true long-term partner in success.
Mirianas Chachisvilis PhD | Co-Founder CEO/CTO of Veriskin
Funding Criteria
Company Structure
US-based C-corporation (or Canadian Equivalent)
Our primary focus is on ventures in California, but we also welcome applications from across the U.S. LLCs that have elected to be taxed as a C-Corporation or are in the process of conversion are welcome to apply.
Stage and Proof of Concept
Stage: Seed+
Companies should have developed at least a minimum viable product (MVP) and completed customer discovery. Additional traction, such as early revenue or key partnerships, strengthens your application.
Deal Terms
We only fund investments structured as preferred equity, convertible notes, or post-money SAFE notes. Applications should clearly outline terms, including valuation caps, discounts, interest rates, and maturity periods where applicable. SAFEs with alternative conversion triggers may receive priority consideration.
Scalability and Market Potential
Your business should have the potential to grow into a $20M+ company within 3-5 years.
We target ventures that address large, untapped market opportunities with strategies to capture significant market share.
Industry Focus
We invest across industries, with a strong focus on technology (especially SaaS). We rarely invest in consumer products or real estate (though PropTech and RealtyTech ventures are exceptions).
Management Team
We seek teams with two or more founders, combining experience, leadership, and a commitment to the company’s vision. Solo-entrepreneur applicants are typically not considered.
Proprietary Assets
Companies should demonstrate a unique value proposition and possess proprietary assets, intellectual property, or trade secrets that give them a competitive edge.
Rapid Growth Potential
Your venture should have a scalable business model with a clear path to revenue generation and profit.
Customer Insight and Market Differentiation
Companies must have a deep understanding of their customers and an effective plan for marketing and sales. We look for ventures with strategies that will establish dominance in their target market.
Investment and Valuation
We typically invest between $150K to $750K, with potential for higher amounts through collaboration with our network partners. Our valuation caps usually range from $1M to $15M, with a preference for single-digit million-dollar valuations.
Financial Plan
Applicants should provide a realistic 3–5-year pro forma, including optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely revenue projections, supported by detailed assumptions.
Exit Strategy
We prioritize companies that are open to clear and achievable exit strategies, ensuring strong potential returns within a reasonable timeframe.
Funding Process
Our goal is to understand your business and support your funding journey. Here’s how the process works:
Application Submission
If you meet our funding criteria, we invite you to submit your application online.
We typically respond within 1-3 weeks and may request additional information.
Application Review
Once submitted, your application will be evaluated. Companies that align with the investment interests and goals of our members will be selected to present to a Pre-Screening Panel.
Pre-Screening and Screening Meetings
Each month, 4-6 companies are invited from the Pre-Screening Panel to pitch at our Screening Meeting, held on the last Wednesday of the month. From there, the top two companies are invited to present to our full membership at the monthly Breakfast Meeting, held on the first Wednesday of the month.
Member Presentation and Q&A
During the Breakfast Meeting, you’ll deliver a presentation and engage in an initial Q&A session with interested members. Potential investors will then begin due diligence, conducting a detailed review of your business plan, projections, track record, and background.
Due Diligence and Deal Terms
After due diligence, interested members will collaborate with you to align on deal terms. This may include offering or suggesting changes based on industry-standard provisions.
Closing
Once terms are agreed upon, we’ll work together to finalize and close the deal. Since each company's process is unique, success depends on maintaining open communication and collaboration throughout each stage.