PASSION. INSIGHT. DARING.
Passion meets passion.
Insight meets insight.
Daring meets daring.
Ready to meet some of the world’s most inventive and high-impact University of Illinois faculty, students, and alumni? Ready to engage with the work they’re doing and back them as they change the world? Ready to get an behind-the-scenes look at promising early-stage companies?
So are we. That’s why we created Illini Angels.
We frequently hear from U of I alumni – passionate, successful, connected alumni – who would like to invest in University of Illinois startups. They know that great opportunities are born here every day. They recognize talent. They aren’t afraid to take a risk. They are Illini Angels. And this is the network they use to boost the most exciting university-related startups and ideas – including companies with alumni, student or faculty founders, companies that are licensing university technology, and other companies that are part of the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Together, we’re improving the world by putting our support behind the companies that will make it happen. And, of course, showing our Illini pride.
Investors…
The University of Illinois is a Top 3 public university for raising capital, according to Pitchbook. We want you to join a select group of alumni backing the next generation of those groundbreaking companies. We’re excited about what the University of Illinois’ people can do and want to back those who can have a big impact on big challenges.
In order to participate as a Illini Angel, you should be ready to:
Meet the Security and Exchange Commission’s guidelines for accredited investors, as an individual or as part of an entity.
Attend organizing and investor meetings throughout the year.
Make seed-funding investments of $5,000 to $100,000, once you identify the opportunity that is right for you.
Pay annual membership dues of $1,500 to defray the cost of the network’s operations.
Are you ready to harness the power of Illinois’ drive, ingenuity, and technical skill? You’re University of Illinois alumni, so we’re going to assume you’re a yes. And that you’re all in.
Born in the Illini Innovation Ecosystem
Startups…
Illini Angels is interested in companies across all fields of research and in any industry. What we want are big ideas that reflect the University of Illinois’ global scope, technical skill, and ability to take on the toughest problems. If you’re creating deep innovation, generating valuable intellectual property, and assembling a terrific team, then we’d like to hear more.
In order to be considered as a portfolio company by Illini Angels, you should be:
Building a team that includes at least some faculty, students, or alumni from any of the University of Illinois’ three campuses in its leadership.
Or using technology licensed from the University of Illinois.
Or involved in the University of Illinois entrepreneurial ecosystem in some other capacity.
Think you have what it takes to earn backing from some of the University of Illinois’ smartest entrepreneurs and investors? Now’s the time to get in touch.
