Talking about great states for starting a new business, we cannot forget Louisiana. This is because the state has been ranked as one of the top 10 states in the US for business climates.

Similarly, with such a thriving community, it would be unfair to judge that Louisiana wouldn’t have a huge number of angel investors. However, to help you choose and pitch, I have prepared a list of the top 6 angel investors in Louisiana, along with some additional tips.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

Top 6 Angel Investors in Louisiana

Following is the list of some of the top angel investors and investment firms that fund startups in Louisana. 

However, before you pitch to any of these investors, it is recommended to research their investment interests, preferences and portfolio companies. Even when most of the investors are in New Orleans, they fund startups throughout the state.

Charles Allen

LinkedIn: Charles Allen | LinkedIn

Investor Type: Individual Investor

Investment Interests: Tech, Sports, AI, and Consumer Products

Investment Stage: Early and Seed

Funding startups for more than two decades; Charles Allen is one of the most prominent angel investors in Louisana. Associated with Allen Angel Capital, he likes to fund startups that are related to tech and present innovative ideas.

During the funding stage, Charles Allen seeks to invest in startups that have massive growth potential and can solve real-time problems. He likes to meet entrepreneurs before the investments and ask several related questions about the investment. 

Similarly, once he has provided the funding, Charles Allen also uses his diverse entrepreneurial experience to guide his portfolio companies through different startup stages. The investment range of Charles Allen ranges from $500,000 to $2M.

SwineTech: SwineTech is a company that develops artificial intelligence and sensor-based technology designed to reduce piglet deaths and increase overall herd health. The company’s technology reduces labor and moralities.

Impetus AG: Impetus AG is a company that focuses on developing multiple topical or transgenic insect control products. They combine expertise with cutting-edge approaches to insect control that deliver value to the consumer and the grower.

PADL: PADL is a self-service paddle sport rental company that is changing the water sport rental market. Users can download their PADL app, find a solar-powered PADL station, and rent a GPS-equipped board.

ISS: One of the world's leading facility services companies, Cleaning, Catering, Security, Property, and Facility Management.

Greg Lucas

LinkedIn: Greg Lucas | LinkedIn

Investor Type: Individual Investor

Investment Interests: Tech, Healthcare, and Finance. 

Investment Stage: Early

Greg Lucas is also a prominent angel investor who provides funding to Louisiana-based startups. Funding for 11 years, Greg is one of the most experienced entrepreneurs and investors. He often likes to invest in startups that are related to healthcare and finance.

During the funding stage, Lucas identifies startups based on their ideas and market competition. Startups that have the least competition are most likely to get funded and receive access to Lucas's extensive networks.

The investment range of Greg Lucas ranges from $300,000 to $1.5M.

FortisPay: FortisPay is a company that delivers comprehensive payment solutions and enablement to software partners and developers. Their unique “Platform-to-Platform” model allows them to create personalized experiences based on your software’s industry-specific needs.

Biocon: Biocon Limited is an Indian biopharmaceutical company. The company manufactures generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are sold in approximately 120 countries, including the United States and Europe.

ShelterLuv: ShelterLuv is a provider of shelter software covering all aspects of the rehoming process. The company offers services for transport groups, sanctuaries, TNR, etc.

LongueVue Capital

Website:  LVC | LongueVue Capital

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Tech, Healthcare, and Transportation

Investment Stage: Seed and Late

Founded in 2001, LongueVue Capital is one of the biggest Louisiana-based venture capital firms. Recently they have raised more than $360M through their LongueVue Capital Partners IV fund. 

When funding startups, LongueVue Capital aims to invest in startups that have sustainable business models led by exceptional entrepreneurs.  They also look for a track record of growth and profitability, a scalable business model with value creation opportunities, a healthy culture, and effective, coachable management teams.

Moreover, the network also shows its dedication to the investment community by arranging many networking events, fundraisers, startup accelerators, and mentorship programs. In fact, they have some of the most experienced mentors to guide their portfolio companies toward success.

The investment range of LongueVue Capital ranges from $5M to $50M, as they only invest in seed and late stages of a startup. Some of their recent portfolio companies include:

ECA Medical: ECA Medical is a manufacturer of single-use torque limiting and surgery-ready procedure kits intended for original equipment manufacturers. The company specializes in torque wrenches, hexagon keys, and solid wrenches for use in the installation of pacemakers, defibrillators, and other medical devices.

KPS Life: KPS Life is a functional service solution that improves efficiency, lowers trial costs, and gives the sponsor strategic control. They offer clinical operations, CRO oversight, quality control, data review, and reconciliation.

Ascent Aviation Services: Ascent Aviation Services is a FAR145-certified operation specializing in every aspect of aircraft maintenance. They maintain narrow and wide bodies, small to large, regional to long-haul aircraft, and one of the largest storage.

New Orleans Startup Fund

Website: New Orleans Startup Fund

Investor Type: Investment Fund

Investment Interests: Media, Technology, Healthcare, Food & Beverages, Education, Software, Consumer Products

Investment Stage: Seed

Founded in 2010, the New Orleans startup fund provides funding to early and seed-staged startups in several cities across Louisiana.  It is a non-profit 501©(3) evergreen seed fund established by business and financial leaders in the Greater New Orleans area.

Aside from their contributions to the economic sector, the New Orleans startup fund also provides the required investment to startups through their pitching competitions. Each year, they conduct many fundraisers, startup accelerators as well as pitching competitions to boost the startup landscape.

When funding startups, the NOSF only has one primary focus and that is the growth potential. They provide funding to startups in many sectors as long as they have a unique idea and has the ability to grow within 1-2 years of investment.

The investment range of NOSF ranges from $100,000 to to $200,000. Some startups that they have funded include:

Acrew: Acrew provides an on-demand video interviewing solution for organizations. Recruiters can create their jobs, post their job vacancies, invite candidates for video interviews and get notified. The company has raised funding from investors including Revolution, Village Capital, and New Orleans Startup Fund.

BioAesthetics: BioAesthetics is a biotechnology company that develops a tissue-engineered nipple-areolar complex graft. BioAesthetics has raised a total funding of $7.15M over 6 rounds from 17 investors.

Ecosweet: Ecosweet is a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of NON-GMO natural sweeteners whose platform is 75% sugar reduction. 

Gerard Ramos

LinkedIn: Gerard Ramos | LinkedIn

Investor Type: Individual Investor

Investment Interests: Manufacturing

Investment Stage: Early

Gerard Ramos is also a well-known angel investor in Louisiana. He started funding startups 20 years back, partnering with different venture capital firms, and currently leads Revelry Venture Partners as a Founder and CEO.

Similarly, since Gerard Ramos is a self-taught developer and a passionate entrepreneur, he likes to support startups that promote unique solutions and have low competition. He doesn't participate in a lot of networking events, and most fund startups through fundraisers.

Aside from his funding activities, Gerard Ramos guides his portfolio companies but, again, doesn't conduct or participate in other startup events. The investment range of Gerard Ramos can range upto $200,000 when funding startups individually. One of his portfolio companies is:

Maritant: Maritant is a company that connects manufacturer and distributor equipment data with engineers, shipyards, and vessel owners. This creates a seamless design and Request For Proposal and purchasing process.

Sisung Capital

Website: The Sisung Group Financial and Development Services

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Construction Services, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Tech

Investment Stage: Early and Seed

Founded in 1985 by Larry J. Sisung, Sisung Capital is another venture capital that provides funding to Louisiana based startups. Ever since its inception, Sisung Capital has funded around 50 companies and has announced its latest funding programs for 2024.

During the investment, Sisung Capital searches for startups that have decent growth potential and can promise profitability. They have a panel of around 10 investors that identify and provide the required funding to startups. 

In screening tests, entrepreneurs usually get questioned about their startup's achievements, team contribution, and growth potential. Startups that can at least generate 5-6x ROI within 2 years of investment can easily secure funding from the network.

Moreover, Sisung Capital also organizes alot of mentorship programs as they mainly fund startups that are at the early or seed stages. The investment range of Sisung Capital ranges from $900,000 to $3M, depending on the growth potential and related sector of the startup. 

Although they have invested in alot of ventures, Sisung Capital doesn't publically announce its portfolio companies. 

Wrap Up

In a nutshell, Louisiana has a lot of angel investors who can provide the required boost for your startup. All you need to do is to pitch the right way and understand the requirements of the angel investors before you attend the investor meetings.

Good Luck!

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