Sand Hill Angels

Sand Hill Angels Research Organization Overview Sand Hill Angels is one of Silicon Valley's oldest and most established angel investment networks, founded approximately 25 years ago. With 145+ accredited members who are successful technology entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders, the group has built a strong track record across technology, healthcare, cleantech, and other high-growth sectors. The organization operates as a structured angel network rather than a managed fund — members make independent investment decisions. Sand Hill Angels charges no fees to presenting companies and takes no percentage of member profits. Investment Thesis Sand Hill Angels targets seed-stage, high-tech companies with large and growing markets, well-defined problems, disruptive solutions, defensible technology, clear go-to-market plans, and strong teams with demonstrated ability to execute. The group prioritizes companies in alpha/beta stage or generating initial revenue, with a deep technology focus and scalable business models. Stage Focus Primary focus on Seed stage investments, though the group has participated in rounds from angel/pre-seed through Series B. Target companies typically have developed products in alpha or beta stage, or are generating early revenue. Check Size Individual member check sizes range from $50,000 to more than $2,000,000. As a network rather than a fund, members invest independently and can syndicate to combine capital, enabling larger aggregate investments per company. Geographic Focus North America is the primary investment geography, centered on the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. International investments are considered only in special circumstances. Sector Focus Sand Hill Angels invests broadly across technology sectors with particular emphasis on: Technology & Enterprise: AI and Machine Learning applications Enterprise software and B2B SaaS Developer tools and infrastructure Cybersecurity Semiconductors and deep tech hardware Healthcare & Life Sciences: Digital health and healthcare technology Biotech and life sciences Medical devices and diagnostics Climate & Sustainability: Clean energy and climate technology Environmental technology Advanced manufacturing Consumer & Other: Consumer applications and social platforms FinTech and payments Gaming and entertainment Aerospace and defense Robotics and automation EdTech Decision Process & Structure Sand Hill Angels operates a structured 6-7 week screening process. The membership is divided into domain-specific investment committees that conduct thorough technical due diligence. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected from the 145+ member community. A small professional staff handles operations and logistics. Critical structural note: Because members invest independently rather than through a centralized fund, Sand Hill Angels cannot lead rounds in the traditional sense. However, members regularly syndicate deals and co-invest alongside professional VCs. Recent Activity (2024-2026) Recent Investments: ImmuneBridge (March 2026) — Participated in $7.7M Seed for scalable cell therapy manufacturing; co-investors included NFX, M Ventures, Insight Partners, One Way Ventures TrueMeter (September 2025) — $4M Seed for AI-powered energy savings platform; co-investors Ulu Ventures, Pear VC Frontline Wildfire Defense (Q1 2025) — Public safety and security technology Membrion (Q1 2025) — Graphene membrane manufacturing for clean energy Vantage Robotics (Q1 2025) — Commercial drone and video robotics Mythical Games (Q1 2024) — Blockchain gaming and gaming economics platform Recent Exits: GetLabs → acquired by Function Health (April 2026); at-home lab testing and mobile healthcare CirrusMD → acquired by Quantum Health (March 2026); physician-led virtual care Drypowder → acquired by ECI Software Solutions (March 2026) Gluware → acquired by Cuadrilla Capital (January 2025); network automation software for Global 2000 enterprises Dasera → acquired by Netskope (October 2024); data security posture management (DSPM) Evry Health → acquired (October 2023) Notable Portfolio Highlights Unicorns and High-Growth Companies: Apollo.io — B2B sales intelligence and engagement platform Zum — Transportation management for K-12 schools Greenlight — Financial services and education platform for families Tala — Mobile financial services for emerging markets Notable Active Portfolio: Stellar Cyber — Open XDR cybersecurity platform OWL Autonomous Imaging (Owl AI) — Computer vision for autonomous vehicles Petal — Credit cards designed for people with no/limited credit history Commonwealth Fusion Systems — Compact fusion energy Orbit Fab — In-space fuel depot and refueling services Mythical Games — Blockchain gaming platform Membrion — Graphene membranes for clean energy applications Second Front Systems — Defense SaaS platform Team & Leadership Board of Directors (2024-2025): Marianne Wu — Co-President Trina Van Pelt — Co-President Amos Ben-Meir — Board Director Oriana Li Halevy — Board Director, RAW Program Co-Chair Jeff Depew — Board Director Mark Mitchell — Board Director, Committee Chair Paul Swartz — Board Director, Committee Chair Karen Law — Board Director Atika Sanchetee — Board Director Tom Nicholson — Treasurer Karen Drexler — Secretary Operations Staff: Tim Kelly — CFO Marc Canabou — Vice President Kate Allison — Membership & Operations Founder Preferences Sand Hill Angels values: Strong teams with demonstrated ability to execute Technical founders with deep domain expertise Companies solving large, well-defined problems in growing markets Defensible technology with clear IP or data advantages Clear go-to-market strategies with early traction Products in alpha/beta stage or generating initial revenue DEI-conscious founding teams Programs & Value-Add RAW (Real-time Advice Workshops): Provides startups with real-time investor feedback in a low-pressure environment before formal pitching. Co-chaired by Oriana Li Halevy and Alan Fisher. Beyond capital, Sand Hill Angels offers access to 145+ experienced angels who are founders and technology executives, mentorship, operational guidance, customer and channel introductions, and the broader Silicon Valley ecosystem network. Ecosystem Partners Key legal and financial partners include WilmerHale, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Pillsbury Law, Lowenstein Sandler, Leader Bank, and SRI International. Network Scale & Track Record 145+ accredited investor members (technology founders and executives) 25+ years of investing history 86+ active portfolio companies 33+ portfolio exits 3 unicorns in the portfolio Headquarters: Mountain View, CA (address: 370 Convention Way, Redwood City, CA 94063)