Evaluation Criteria

Tech Coast Angels members invest in Southern California companies with the potential to rapidly scale into market and financial leadership. This usually implies potential for high growth, a strong market position, and a sustainable advantage. Specifically, members look for:

• A market opportunity sufficiently large to create a business that can grow to at least $50 million in annual revenues.
• A compelling, well articulated strategy for capturing and defending a significant market share.
• Proprietary technology or other strong barriers to entry.
• Strong management (not necessarily a complete team) with relevant and successful experience.
• An exit strategy for the investors.
• A desire for advice and coaching.
• A realistic company valuation that fits within our risk/reward expectations for the investment.
• Normally, members do not consider investments in companies based outside of Southern California.

Use of Funds

TCA members look for opportunities where the capital sought will take the company to the next level, and materially increase its valuation. TCA investments often bridge the gap between proof of concept to a larger VC round. A company must be able to demonstrate how it will use members' investment to complete at least some of the following:

• Proof of concept
• Prototype of its product or technology
• Patent filing (for broad patent)
• Product development
• Market research
• Product launch
• Major contract or customers
• Management team
• Reduce other investment risks

Screening Process

TCA has developed a comprehensive screening process to help members make investment decisions. Further information on our screening process.

Submitting a Proposal

Neither TCA nor its members pay finders or similar fees to any person or entity in any way connected with investments made by its members; only members may process investment opportunities. We also do not charge companies for making presentations to members of the group. To be considered for review by our members, please click here and complete the Funding Application Form and upload an investor PowerPoint presentation. TCA members accept only electronic submissions. Do not include confidential information. Neither Tech Coast Angels nor its members sign Non-Disclosure Agreements for initial proposals. If there is sufficient interest, an NDA may be negotiated with individual members at a later time.