For the past several years, Orange County has been attracting attention for its development and exceptional startup growth. Many of the startups that got funded years back, are now being included in Fortune 500 companies, such as Ingram Micro, Pacific Life, and Broadcom.

Similarly, there are many VC firms and individual investors that have started funding startups in Orange County. While many of these investors are located inside the city, some are also located outside Orange County and fund startups as a part of their exterior city funding campaigns.

Thinking about who these venture capitalists and individual investors are? Or are you confused about whether you should approach angel investors or venture capital firms for a seed round funding?

Well, let's waste no more time and jump onto the list of the top 7 angel investors in Orange County.

Top 7 Angel Investors in Orange County

Following is the list of some of the top angel investors in Orange County, along with their investment interests.

Tech Coast Angels

Website: Tech Coast Angels 

Investor Type: VC Firm

Investment Interests: Tech, Healthcare, Cyber and Consumer Products.

Investment Stage: Early and Seed.

Tech Coast Angels is one of the most active investment firms in California. Founded in 1997, Tech Coast Angels has funded more than 560 startups and has an active portfolio of 167 startups.

Although they have more than 400 members in their 4 offices across different cities, Tech Coast Angels has 6 investors at the Irvine headquarters.

During the screening tests, Tech Coast Angels emphasize funding startups that have unique ideas. The investors look for ventures that can generate 5x ROI within 36 months of investment.

The investment range of Tech Coast Angels ranges from $500,000 to $20M. Some of their recent portfolio companies include:

Eyegenex: Eyegenex is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing gene therapy and peptide treatments for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to blindness.

Alleviate: Alleviate Financial Solutions is a debt relief services company. They specialize in debt settlement by negotiating new terms with creditors to settle debts for less than what is owed.

Amsel Medical: Amsel Medical is a medical device company. They manufacture an occluder device designed for surgical and interventional procedures. They have raised a total of $5.8M in funding over three rounds.

Everykey: Everykey is a cybersecurity company that designs and builds a patented universal smart key. This Bluetooth device can unlock other devices and log into online accounts using AES and RSA encryption for security.

Wavemaker Partners

Website: Wavemaker Group 

Investor Type: VC Firm

Investment Interests: Tech and Consumer Products.

Investment Stage: Early

Funding early-stage startups; Wavemaker Partners is also a prominent name in the venture capitalist community of California. The network was founded in 2003 and has funded a total of 690 companies with 226 successful exits.

Although the VC firm might be headquartered in Singapore, it still has branches throughout America and focuses on funding startups in Orange County.

During the screening tests, Wavemaker Partners prefers startups that are manufacturing products which solve real-time problems. They also focus on many other sectors, depending on the growth potential of the startup.

The investment range of Wavemaker Partners ranges from $100,000 to $4M. Some of their recent investments include:

Longève Brands: Longève Brands is a company that provides shelf-stable, pea protein products designed for those who enjoy cooking. Their products cater to the rapidly growing flexitarian market, offering plant-based protein options that are convenient and versatile for in-home and commercial use.

Performa Labs: Performa Labs provides software that enables faster and safer training for professionals with mission-critical careers, such as first responders.

Meatiply: Meatiply is a meat startup that focuses on developing new products to address consumer needs. Meatiply has secured US$ 3.75M in seed funding to expand its R&D capabilities and scale up production.

Vama: Vama is a startup that offers digital temple services such as e-puja, e-darshan, and astrology services. Vama has raised a total of $1.5 million in seed funding to enhance its technology and expand its user base.

BAM Ventures

Website: BAM Ventures

Investor Type: VC Firm

Investment Interests: Tech, E-Commerce, Food & Beverage, 

Investment Stage: Early

BAM Ventures is also a famous venture capital firm that funds Orange County-based startups. Founded in 2014, Bam Ventures has funded a total of 196 startups, among which they have had 85 successful exits.

The firm consists of 3 investors, with several offices around the US. During the screening tests, BAM Ventures questions entrepreneurs related to the startup market and their growth potential as they invest in the early stages.

Once a startup has secured the funding, BAM Ventures provides it with access to one of the best mentorship panels. They arrange numerous startup events and mentorship programs to boost startup growth in the US, especially in Southern California.

The investment range of BAM Ventures ranges from $100,000 to $500,000. Some of their recent investments include:

Bin Star: BinStar operates a retail store dealing with returned products to and from retailers and brands. They provide treasure hunt bins filled with overstocked and returned merchandise for a shelve-free shopping experience. They secured 2.79M in funding.

Zab Sauce: Zab's Sauce produces hot sauces using fresh produce, specializing in hot sauces with datil pepper. Their products are non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and preservative-free.

Snackpass: A social commerce platform making food ordering convenient and affordable. It offers a digital menu, a self-service kiosk, and loyalty rewards.

Paul Singh

LinkedIn: Paul Singh - CEO - StrataPT 🦈

Investor Type: Individual Angel Investor

Investment Interests: Tech

Investment Stage: Early

As an early partner of 500 Startups, Paul Singh is a well-known name in Orange County's individual investment community. With around 90 investments and 17 successful exits, it is evident that Paul Singh is dedicated to his field.

Unlike VC firms, Paul Singh makes most of his investments through startup events or by participating in fundraisers. He is often interested in startups that can grow and generate profits.

The investment range of Paul Singh ranges from $25,000 to $50,000. One of his portfolio companies are:

Malomo: A shipment tracking and marketing platform for e-commerce brands. It helps online retailers engage customers post-purchase with branded tracking pages and marketing campaigns.

RentMoola: A platform that simplifies rent and condo fee payments, making it easier for tenants to pay rent online.

Crosscut Ventures

Website: Crosscut - Ventures

Investor Type: VC Firm

Investment Interests:

Investment Stage:

With a high focus on AI businesses, Crosscut Ventures is a VC firm headquartered in Santa Monica. Despite being far away, Crosscut Ventures has still shown keen interest in funding many Southern California-based startups.

The investors focus on a wide range of sectors, funding startups at early stages. They also prioritize ventures that can drive growth and ensure profitability.

The investment range of Crosscut Ventures ranges from $250,000 to $750,000. Some of their portfolio companies are:

Logoi: Logoi is a developer of an AI-powered knowledge assistant designed to facilitate knowledge transfer, knowledge management, productivity, and onboarding. The company's SaaS product aims to unlock siloed knowledge within organizations.

Streamdal: Streamdal is a developer of a data performance monitoring tool intended for real-time data monitoring and observability on streaming platforms. The company's tool helps users gain visibility into their messaging system queues.

RLH Equity Partners

Website: RLH Equity Partners

Investor Type: Private equity firm

Investment Interests: Tech, Healthcare, Consulting, and E-Commerce.

Investment Stage: Seed

Founded in 1982, RLH Equity Partners is a private equity firm that funds startups at the seed stage. Consisting of many experienced investors, RHL Equity Partners usually funds startups that have 3 years of industry experience and can drive growth.

Similarly, they also arrange many mentorship programs and networking events. The firm has an experienced network of mentors who ensure their portfolio companies receive the best guidance whenever needed.

The investment range of RLH Equity Partners ranges from $10M - $50M, as they are managing assets over $1B. Notable portfolio companies include:

Astound Commerce: A global digital commerce agency that provides end-to-end e-commerce solutions. RLH Equity Partners invested in Astound Commerce to enhance the customer's e-commerce experience6.

CrossCountry Consulting: A business advisory firm that provides customized finance, accounting, human capital management, risk, operations, and technology consulting services.

ClearView Healthcare Partners: A global strategy consulting firm serving the life science sector. RLH Equity Partners helped in supporting the commercialization of life-saving and enhancing drugs.

Chris Bennet

LinkedIn: Chris Bennett 

Investor Type: Individual Angel Investor

Investment Interests: Education, Food, and Consumer Products

Investment Stage: Early

Chirs Bennet is also an active individual angel investor who funds startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. After funding 7 startups, Chris Bennet is still searching for ventures that have the potential to grow and present ideas with low market competition.

The investment range of Chris Bennet ranges from $5,000 to $50,000. Some of his portfolio companies include:

Evora Global: A specialist ESG real estate consultancy that helps clients improve the sustainability and reduce the climate risk of their real estate portfolios.

Magic Spoon: A cereal brand that offers high-protein, low-carb, zero-sugar cereal. Spacestation Investments, where Chris Bennett is a partner.

Wrap Up:

In a nutshell, angel investors can act as the much-needed boosting force for your startup as long as you pitch the right way. Venture Capital firms are often more recommended for seed funding, as they are willing to go down for long-term contracts. 

In contrast, individual angel investors are often planning for early-stage investments and avoid leading a fund. 

Before pitching to investors, plan carefully, always double-check the information, prepare a great pitch deck and remain confident throughout the presentation.

Good Luck!

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