What is TiE Angels?

TiE Angels is an investor forum within the TiE Silicon Valley chapter. It is managed by a group of volunteer Charter Members for the benefit of the greater TiE community. 

Are there any fees to apply for funding?

TiE is a non-profit whose mission is to foster entrepreneurship. TiE Angels is a forum within TiE for investors to find promising young startups. As such, there is no fee for entrepreneurs to apply or present at TiE Angels. We do ask, however, that if you are funded by TiE Angels, consider making a goodwill stock donation to TiE Silicon Valley so that we can continue fostering entrepreurship. 

Does TiE Angels have a fund or LLC?

There is no fund or LLC. Our members invest as individuals, and appear on your cap chart indvidually.

Do I have to be a TiE member to apply?

No, TiE membership is not required to apply. Any startup is welcome to apply. TiE membership has many advantages, however. Please see the TiE site to learn more. 

How much does TiE Angels invest?

Investments have ranged from $100k to $1.5M, though typically we invest around $250k.

Is TiE Angels associated with any venture funds?

Many of our members have personal and professional relationships with venture capital firms. However, the TiE Angels forum itself is not formally associated with any venture capital firm.

My company is not in the Bay area. Can I still apply?

Yes. However, like most early stage investors, we have a strong preference for local companies. Many other TiE chapters have started TiE Angels forums in their cities. Please see here if there's one near you. 

I did not get invited to present. Can you give me feedback so I can improve?

Unfortunately we don't provide such feedback. Companies are selected by a small group of volunteer screeners. It's not feasible to study this volume of applications in detail. Besides, the purpose of the initial phase is to select  companies that are just interesting enough to meet. 

What are the advantages of being funded by TiE Angels?

The TiE ecosystem is large and diverse. Companies funded by TiE Angels have a preference for tapping into this ecosystem through programs such as TiE Inflect, TiE CIO Forums, and more. In addition, TiE has deep reach into the VC ecosystem as many of our Charter Members are partners in venture funds, and many venture funds are sponsors of TiE Silicon Valley. 

Does TiE Angels require a board seat?

We generally ask for formal representation as board member, board observer, or advisor. TiE's ecosystem is very deep and startups have benefited greatly by having such a relationship. At the very least, companies are required to send out periodic updates to the TiE Angels members who invested in their company. 

Do you price rounds or do you also take convertible notes?

We have done both depending on company specifics. In either case, the investment comes directly from the individual angel – there is no fund.