Description

• Seed & Series A: This is the primary window for investment.
• Traction Required: They prioritize companies that have moved past the "idea" phase and have a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). They strongly prefer ventures with early customer validation, such as initial revenue, signed pilot agreements, or significant user growth. 
• Method: Founders apply through the Gopher Angels application portal, which is hosted on the Dealum platform.
• Materials: A complete submission requires a professional pitch deck, an executive summary, and 3-year financial projections.
• Administrative Fee: There is a nominal application fee (approx. $100) to cover the cost of the screening and review process. 

Eligibility

• Geography: Strong preference for companies based in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, though they selectively consider deals from across the U.S.
• Sector: Industry-agnostic, with significant historical activity in HealthTech, SaaS, Consumer Goods, and MedTech.
• Scalability: The venture must demonstrate a clear path to high-growth and a potential liquidity event (M&A or IPO) within 5–7 years. 

Process

1. Online Intake: Founders submit materials through Dealum for initial screening by the leadership team to assess eligibility and scalability.
2. Screening Committee: Approximately 3–5 companies per month are invited to a virtual preliminary pitch with a smaller committee of experienced members.
3. Member Meeting: The top 2–3 finalists are invited to pitch to the full network of 80+ accredited investors during monthly meetings.
4. Due Diligence: Interested members form a collaborative team to conduct a 4–8 week deep-dive into the company's financials, IP, legal standing, and product.
5. Closing: Individual members make independent decisions to commit capital, which is aggregated for the company's cap table. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

1. Direct Capital: Access to funding from a network of successful Midwest-based CEOs, serial entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
2. Strategic Mentorship: Active coaching from members who often take board seats or observer roles to provide hands-on advisory.
3. Network Access: Introductions to potential customers, strategic partners, and follow-on venture capital firms.
4. Syndication: Strong ties to other regional groups (like Great Lakes Angels or Hyde Park Angels) to fill larger funding rounds.