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Central Illinois Angels

Central Illinois Angels is also looking for companies that have a strong management team with relevant experience, and exit strategy for investors, a desire for advice and coaching from investors, and a valuation that fits our risk/reward expectations.

Peoria, IL, USA

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Description

Central Coast Ventures (CCV) is a member-led angel investment group based in Peoria, Illinois, that provides capital and mentorship to early-stage, high-growth companies in the Midwest. 
  • Seed & Early Stage: Targets companies that have moved beyond the research phase and are ready to commercialize or scale.
  • Traction Required: Applicants must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and should ideally demonstrate early customer validation or pilot revenue.
  • Method: Founders apply through the Central Illinois Angels portal, which is hosted on the Dealum platform.
  • Materials: A complete application includes a pitch deck, an executive summary, and 3-year financial projections.
  • Screening Criteria: They prioritize companies with a clear competitive advantage and the potential to reach $20M+ in revenue within five years.

Eligibility

  • Geography: Strong preference for startups based in Illinois and the broader Midwest region.
  • Sector: Industry-agnostic, with historical activity in Agtech, SaaS, MedTech, and Advanced Manufacturing.
  • Capital Seek: Typically targets companies raising between $250,000 and $2,000,000 in total.

Process

  1. Online Intake: Founders submit materials through Dealum for an initial eligibility review by the screening committee.
  2. Screening Pitch: Selected companies are invited to a 15–20 minute preliminary pitch to a smaller committee.
  3. Member Meeting: Top finalists pitch to the full membership (approx. 60+ accredited investors) during bi-monthly dinner meetings.
  4. Due Diligence: Interested members form a team to conduct a 4-to-8 week deep-dive into the financials, legal standing, and technology.

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Direct Capital: Aggregated investment from a network of seasoned local executives and business owners.
  2. Strategic Mentorship: Access to members with deep expertise in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.
  3. Regional Network: Direct connections to the Illinois innovation ecosystem and university research hubs.
  4. Syndication: Introductions to other regional groups, such as IrishAngels or Hyde Park Angels, to fill larger rounds.