The NJIT Highlanders Angel Network, Inc. (NJITHAN) is an independent, nonprofit angel investment network and forum for accredited investors with strong ties to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) community, including alumni, faculty/staff, private investors, executives, and industry professionals. It supports High-Tech Life Science & Technology-related businesses and promotes entrepreneurship both within NJIT and the broader NJ/NY/PA Tri-State ecosystem by connecting founders with capital, mentorship, and strategic networks.
Pre-Seed / Seed: Primary focus on early-stage startups, especially those in tech, AI, advanced materials, fintech, and related sectors with scalable models and market potential.
Series A: Participates indirectly through follow-on support and syndication alongside other investors; investing emphasis remains early institutional rounds.
Typical Check Size: Collective participation often results in ~$100K–$250K+ in early funding per company through coordinated member contributions.
Invests in companies with high-growth potential, strong technical foundations, and scalable business models while generally avoiding very early regulatory risk categories (e.g., unapproved medical products).
Founders typically engage by submitting materials via the group’s online presence (e.g., Gust application) or through introductions from network members. 

Geography: Priority is given to companies in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania Tri-State Area, particularly those with regional impact or connections to NJIT.
Profile: Early-stage startups (Pre-Seed, Seed, early institutional) with technical differentiation and scalable commercial plans.
Team: Founders with strong execution capability and evidence of customer or market traction are preferred. 

Initial Intake & Screening: Founders submit executive summary, pitch deck, and financials for an initial fit review with NJITHAN’s investment criteria.
Screening Committee Review: A screening committee evaluates the submission for market viability, growth potential, and strategic alignment.
Member Presentation: Shortlisted startups present to the full NJITHAN membership for investment consideration.
Due Diligence: Interested members conduct deeper diligence on team, product, traction, and market.
Deal Structuring & Close: Deals are structured on a deal-by-deal basis, typically using equity or convertible instruments aligned with early-stage norms.

Strategic Capital: Access to coordinated angel capital from accredited investors tied to NJIT’s ecosystem.
Network & Mentorship: Direct mentorship and connections to industry professionals, alumni investors, and regional partners that can help with growth strategy and follow-on funding pathways.
Follow-on Support: Introductions to co-investors and broader capital networks as startups progress beyond initial rounds.