Logo

North Bay Angels

The North Bay Angels was formed by a group of North Bay executives and professionals to fill a growing need to provide a forum for learning about and making early stage investment capital (seed capital)

Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA

Description

North Bay Angels (NBA) is the oldest and largest angel investment group north of the Golden Gate based in Healdsburg, Northern California, made up of accredited investors committed to seeding and guiding early-stage startups, particularly those that can benefit the North Bay entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Pre-Seed / Seed: Primary emphasis on seed and early-stage equity financings where angel involvement can make a meaningful difference in getting companies to traction.
Series A: Doesn’t generally lead Series A, but individual members may participate in follow-on rounds as companies grow.
Typical Investment Size: Early-stage capital infusions typically fall in the $250K–$1M range, provided by member syndication or individual angel commitments.
Invests broadly across sectors including healthcare/biotech, energy/cleantech, information technology, communications, software, business services, and industrial tech, without strict industry exclusivity but with regional affinity.
Founders typically engage by applying through the North Bay Angels website and must commit to presenting in person to the group in Northern California once selected.
Participation in the larger InSync angel network (12+ regional angel groups) can amplify exposure, though startups usually enter first via NBA or another local group. 

Eligibility

Geography: Priority for Northern California startups, especially those with local presence, though strong opportunities outside the region may be considered with connection to members or market relevance.
Profile: Early-stage companies with prototypes, initial traction or early revenue, credible management, and clear market opportunities.
Team: Founders with technical ability, execution focus, and coachability are preferred; NBA also values strategic fit with North Bay resources and markets.

Process

Initial Intake & Screening: Companies submit pitch materials and executive summaries for fit with NBA criteria and regional alignment.
 Screening Committee Review: A volunteer Program Committee evaluates submissions and selects which startups will present to members.
 Member Presentation: Shortlisted founders deliver an in-person pitch at an investor meeting/dinner to gain interest from individual members.
 Due Diligence: Interested angels conduct private diligence on key areas (team, market, traction) and negotiate directly with founders.
 Deal Structuring & Close: Individual members make investment decisions; deals are structured on a deal-by-deal basis, often with convertible notes, SAFEs, or equity terms agreed by participants. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

Strategic Capital: Provides coordinated early capital from experienced angel investors seeking high-growth potential.
 Network & Mentorship: Access to seasoned operators and investor mentors who contribute not just capital but guidance and introductions.
Follow-on Support: Portfolio companies often benefit from continued member engagement and introductions to additional capital sources as they scale.