What is NorCal AngelCon?
NorCal AngelCon is a hands-on educational program designed to turn accredited investors into active angel investors. Run by the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Growth Factory, this program provides participants with the knowledge and tools to make informed investment decisions while directly contributing to the growth of local startups.
In 2024, the program culminated in an investment of $115,000 into Davis-based Ariz Precision Medicine, with an additional $25,000 in non-dilutive funding from the Carlsen Center’s Global Entrepreneurship Week pitch fund.
A Look Back: Highlights from the Inaugural Program
The first NorCal AngelCon attracted 13 participants who learned the intricacies of angel investing, including due diligence, legal considerations, and portfolio management. Participants committed at least $5,000 each and collectively invested in Ariz Precision Medicine, which is developing nanotechnology-based cancer therapies. At the final pitch event, Ariz received the top prize of $105,000, while Japa Inc. tied for the $10,000 audience vote award.
Monique Brown, co-founder of the Growth Factory, shared her thoughts on the program:
“As we work to build the Sacramento entrepreneurial ecosystem, Mark Haney, Growth Factory co-founder, has evangelized the need to get more capital off the sidelines. This program, led by the Carlsen Center, was a fantastic opportunity to do just that! It was hands-on, fun, relatively low risk, and high reward in terms of new capital activation, capacity, and community building.”
Expanding Opportunities: What’s New for 2025?
Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, NorCal AngelCon is returning in 2025 with even more opportunities for participants to engage with and support early-stage companies. The program will continue to equip participants with essential angel investing skills, with new insights into market dynamics, legal updates, and portfolio diversification strategies. Participants will also become members of the Angel Capital Association, a global network of experienced investors.
Cameron Law, Executive Director of the Carlsen Center, emphasized the importance of growing this community:
“As we head into this year’s NorCal AngelCon we are excited to welcome a new set of angels. I can’t wait to build further community especially in connecting the past participants to this year’s participants. A core component of this program is bringing people together while elevating the return and impact of investing in startups – to see this community grow from year to year is amazing. I hope this year’s offering attracts more angels and allows us to deploy more capital into startups. I would love to see a $150,000 investment facilitated through this program come to fruition in 2025.”
Why Participate in NorCal AngelCon?
For those curious about angel investing, NorCal AngelCon offers a unique, low-risk opportunity to learn by doing. The program not only provides essential education but also fosters a sense of community among participants, helping them become active contributors to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
How to Get Involved
The NorCal AngelCon program is a collaborative effort supported by funding from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) through its Accelerate CA Hubs designation. Interested accredited invesotrs can fill out an interest form to learn more about the program. With applications for the 2025 cohort now open, this is the perfect time to take the first step toward becoming an angel investor.
Wrap-Up
NorCal AngelCon is more than an investment program—it’s a movement to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern California. By activating local capital, educating new investors, and supporting innovative startups, the program is driving lasting change in the region.
Are you ready to take part in this transformative journey? Explore how you can contribute to the future of entrepreneurship in Northern California.
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