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Hyde Park Angel Network

HPA is a leading early-stage investor. Our people first model leverages world-class operating expertise, a powerful business network, and venture-capital to fuel start up success.

Chicago, IL, USA

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Description

Hyde Park Angels (HPA) is one of the largest and most active early-stage investor networks in the United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, it is a leader in the Midwest venture ecosystem, consisting of a venture fund and a network of over 130 former and current CEOs and executives who provide "smart capital" to high-growth startups. 
  • Seed & Series A: This is HPA’s primary investment window.
  • Traction Required: They prioritize companies with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and early signals of product-market fit (e.g., initial revenue, successful pilot programs, or high user engagement). They rarely invest in "idea-only" stages. 
  • Method: Founders apply through the HPA application portal, which utilizes the Dealum platform.
  • Review Focus: They look for "capital-efficient" businesses where their members' operational expertise can serve as a force multiplier.
  • Materials: A professional pitch deck, an executive summary, and detailed 3-year financial projections are mandatory. 

Eligibility

  • Geography: Strong preference for companies based in Chicago and the Midwest, though they invest nationwide for exceptional opportunities.
  • Sectors: Industry-agnostic, with heavy concentration in B2B SaaS, HealthTech, Fintech, and Consumer Tech.
  • Scalability: The business must have the potential to reach a significant liquidity event within 5–7 years. 

Process

  1. Staff Screening: The professional investment team reviews applications to assess sector fit and scalability.
  2. Member Screening: Selected startups pitch to a smaller committee of members with relevant industry expertise.
  3. The Forum: Finalists present to the full network of accredited investors during quarterly or bi-monthly "Forum" events.
  4. Due Diligence: A collaborative 4–8 week deep-dive conducted by members and staff to vet the team, technology, and financials.
  5. Closing: HPA typically invests from its dedicated fund alongside individual commitments from its members.

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Strategic Capital: Access to high-signal funding from one of the most respected names in Midwest venture.
  2. Executive Mentorship: Direct advisory from members who have led major corporations (e.g., former leaders from Google, Motorola, and Fortune 500 firms).
  3. Hiring & Talent: Assistance in recruiting C-suite talent and board directors through the network's extensive reach.
  4. Operational Playbooks: Proven frameworks for scaling sales, marketing, and engineering teams.