Process
Eligible Companies
Companies incorporated in the U.S. that have the ability to scale are encouraged to apply. The SDAC will invest in any industry and in companies at any stage, although for the size of the investment early seed stage through Series A are ideal. See the Apply page for more details.
Angel investors will review the information in Gust, rate the companies, discuss, and deliberate. During Round 1, investors will choose 24-30 Quarterfinalists who will move on to Round 2.
Quarterfinalists are invited to meet the Investors and to give a 3-minute pitch with a short and moderated Q&A session. During Round 2, investors will consider the pitches, the Q&A, review the information in Gust and choose 12-15 Semifinalists who will move on to Round 3.
The Semifinalists are invited to a networking event with the Investors and to give a 10-minute pitch with an open Q&A session. During Round 3, investors will consider the pitches, the Q&A, review the information in Gust and choose 5-8 Finalists who will move on to due diligence and the finale.
The Finalists will go through a due diligence (DD) process. Investors will organize into DD teams for each company. Finalists will have a chance to attend a company dinner to get to know their team. Each Finalist will have a DD vault where they will submit required documents, will host a site visit, answer questions, and provide a variety of resources to the DD teams. The teams will report to each other weekly leading up to the finale. All Investors will have access to the final DD reports and vaults for each company. Each company will negotiate with the Fund Manager to define the deal terms before the finale.
Process for Entrepreneurs
The process for Entrepreneurs runs approximately nine months beginning in September, through the day of the SDAC finale in May.
In September, participating entrepreneurs have access to resources and workshops to sharpen their investment potential. Workshops run from September to December and are free.
In December, entrepreneurs apply via Gust and pay the $149 nonrefundable application fee.
Between December and February, entrepreneurs have access to a team of consultants to help improve and refine their applications.
Starting in February, SDAC investors start reviewing the applications while entrepreneurs continue updating their Gust profiles, making pitches and/or answering questions.
Investors work together to decide which companies will move from one round to the next until the final six are chosen.
Five to six weeks prior to the SDAC, extensive due diligence is performed on the Finalists before the investment decision is made at the Conference. During this time, each finalist negotiates the investment terms with the SDAC Fund Manager. Terms must be finalized before the finale.
The winner of the SDAC is publicly presented with a ceremonial check at the closing of the event. The winner and any runner-up companies usually receive the funds 3-5 weeks later.
Process for Investors
The process for Investors runs approximately four months beginning in February, through the day of the finale in May.
Twelve weeks before the finale, investors receive access and training for Gust and begin reviewing deals, including 1-minute videos for all applicants.
Ten weeks before the finale, investors watch the 3-minute pitches of 24-30 Quarterfinalists companies and select 12-15 Semifinalists.
Seven weeks before the finale, investors review the 10-minute pitches of the 12-15 Semifinalists and select 5-8 Finalists.
Five to six weeks prior to the finale, investors begin the due diligence process for the Finalists and meet weekly to research, analyze and discuss.
One day before the SDAC, investors and finalists meet to answer any final questions at a VIP reception.
On the day of the SDAC, investors listen to the final pitches and then deliberate before making final investment decisions. The winner of the SDAC is publicly presented with a ceremonial check at the closing of the event. Investors may also choose one or more runner-up companies.
After the SDAC, funds will be wired to the funded companies, normally within 3-5 weeks. Investors will receive periodic updates from the companies and receive annual investment and tax information.
San Diego Angel Conference
Bringing Entrepreneurs and Investors together right here in San Diego.
Contact
Get In Touch
info@thesdangels.com
M-F: 8am-5pm
619.260.4657
University of San Diego
Knauss School of Business
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110