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Keiretsu Forum Bay Area

Bay Area chapters of a global angel network investing in diverse, high‑quality private companies.

Orinda, CA, USA

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Description

Keiretsu Forum Bay Area (K4BA) is the founding and flagship chapter of the world's largest by-invitation-only angel investor network. Based in San Francisco, California, with additional chapters in Silicon Valley and East Bay, it connects accredited investors with a global deal flow of high-quality, early-stage companies seeking capital and mentorship. 
  • Seed & Series A/B: K4BA typically invests in high-growth companies with a functional product seeking $750,000 to $3 million in capital per round.
  • Maturity: They look for justifiable valuations and businesses ready for significant scale within 2-3 years of funding.
  • Method: Entrepreneurs apply online via the Keiretsu Forum website.
  • No NDA: Keiretsu Forum does not sign non-disclosure agreements for initial proposals.
  • Materials: A comprehensive business summary, pitch deck, financials, and exit strategy are required.
  • Fees: There is no fee to apply or present at the initial Deal Screening. However, companies selected to present at the main Forum Meeting are required to pay a modest administrative fee.

Eligibility

  • Geography: Primarily the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, with access to the global Keiretsu network.
  • Sectors: Industry-agnostic, with significant activity in emerging technologies, AI/ML, healthcare/life sciences, consumer products, and sustainable tech.
  • Investment Vehicle: Companies are expected to raise via Preferred Equity or a post-money SAFE. 

Process

The process emphasizes rigorous pre-screening and peer-to-peer due diligence: 

  1. Online Application: Founders submit their plan through the online application.
  2. Pre-Screening: Committees of industry specialists vet applications, selecting 8-12 companies for a monthly Deal Screening session.
  3. Deal Screening: Selected companies present for 10-12 minutes with an 8-10 minute Q&A session. The committee selects the top candidates for the main Forum Meeting.
  4. Forum Meeting: Finalists present to the full network of investors. Members indicate interest on a "Gold Sheet".
  5. Due Diligence (DD): Interested members form a DD team for a rigorous 4–8 week review.
  6. Investment: Members make individual investment decisions, collaborating during due diligence to syndicate capital. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  • Strategic Capital: Access to a large pool of capital from an extensive network of accredited investors, VCs, and institutional partners.
  • Expert Mentorship: Guidance from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who actively participate in the due diligence process and advisory roles.
  • Global Exposure: The potential to present to Keiretsu chapters across three continents (over 50 chapters) and access a global online deal room.
  • Credibility: The rigorous vetting process provides significant validation that can help secure follow-on funding from other angel groups and VCs.