Goals

Founded in 2019 as part of the Magnuson Center, our mission is to fuel innovation through a national network of Dartmouth alumni investors. Our goals are to:

• Increase the opportunity to support Dartmouth entrepreneurs: more deals and mentorship

• Strengthen the Dartmouth entrepreneurial community: make it better/easier for startups and investors to participate

• Build a scalable, future-forward network: make it a well-oiled machine to keep going

Value Add

Dartmouth Angels offers opportunities for Angels and entrepreneurs to connect through annual events, pitch presentations, industry specific mentoring, and access to online educational resources.

For Angels and Mentors:

• Access to high quality deal flow from the Dartmouth community

• Opportunities to participate in venture scale returns

• Access to online educational resources and webinars through ACA Membership

• Opportunities to network and engage with investors and founders in the Dartmouth ecosystem

For Founders:

• Access to early stage funding

• Access to industry and stage specific mentorship from the Dartmouth Community

• Access to institutional capital through investor/VC intros

Apply for Funding

Dartmouth Angels is seeking Dartmouth affiliated entrepreneurs who are managing start-ups in an early stage of development who would like the opportunity to apply for financing.

If you’re a founder looking for angel funding or mentorship and advice, sign up for Gust.

Spotlight Events

Dartmouth Angels offers early-stage funding opportunities for startups with a Dartmouth connection.

• Each quarter, a small group of founders is selected to pitch virtually at the Dartmouth Angels Spotlight Event.

• To be eligible, at least one founder must have a direct Dartmouth affiliation—alumni, students, staff, or faculty from any Dartmouth undergraduate or graduate program.

• Spotlight Events run in February, May, August, November

Apply to be a Dartmouth Angel

We are looking for investors, mentors, presenters for fireside chats and panels, founder referrals, professional service providers.

If that sounds like you, sign up to join a community of 110 (and growing) Dartmouth Angels.

• Membership features:

  • Attend Dartmouth Angel Events

  • Network with Dartmouth alumni investors, advisors and entrepreneurs

  • Access pitch events by Dartmouth Start-ups

  • Access educational and training resources for angel investing and entrepreneurship

  • Access Angel Capital Association (ACA) resources and events

  • Return to Dartmouth to support entrepreneurial innovation within its growing start-up community

FAQ for Investors

Is there a membership fee to join Dartmouth Angels?
No. There is no membership fee to join. Each angel decides independently whether to participate in a given deal.

Are there any additional fees associated with making an investment?
Additional fees may apply on a deal-by-deal basis, depending on the structure. For example, syndicated deals or those requiring extra legal, administrative, or due diligence support may incur associated costs.

Are there qualifications or prerequisites to join?
Yes. Angels must complete an application form confirming they are Accredited Investors under current SEC guidelines. The form also includes a code of ethics and group norms.
While prior investing experience is not required, experience in entrepreneurship, startup operations, or a relevant industry is helpful. Participating in screenings and due diligence is a great way to gain hands-on experience as an angel investor.

Is there a minimum check size requirement?
There is no minimum investment amount required to be part of Dartmouth Angels, nor a set annual investment expectation. However, founders or syndicate partners may establish their own minimums.
Individual investments typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, and group investments can total up to $100,000 if there is sufficient interest.

Can I invest through a Trust, Corporation, or LLC?
Yes, you may invest through a Trust, Corporation, or LLC, as long as the entity qualifies as an Accredited Investor under SEC rules. Please consult your legal or financial advisor to ensure proper structuring.

Can I invest in deals not selected by the group?
Yes. All Dartmouth Angels have access to the Gust platform, where they can view every submitted deal. You may connect with founders and choose to invest independently, even if a deal is not formally selected for diligence or group investment.

Are Spotlight events held virtually or in person?
Most Spotlights are held virtually via Zoom. Some events may take place in person and may be recorded. If you’re unable to attend live, recordings are typically made available afterward.

What happens after a Spotlight event?
After the Spotlight, Dartmouth Angels may choose one or more companies for a deeper evaluation. If there’s enough interest among participating Angels, the group proceeds to due diligence and potential investment.

FAQ for Founders

What is the typical investment amount for startups selected at a Spotlight event? Are investments usually made via SAFEs?
Average check sizes are between $15,000 and $20,000, but can vary depending on the company’s stage and the level of interest. Dartmouth Angels can invest via SAFEs for simplicity and speed, but also consider convertible notes or priced rounds.

If my company is pre-product, are there standard terms I should expect?
There are no fixed terms. Each deal is negotiated individually, taking into account founder preferences, potential dilution, and investor interest.

Who makes up the audience at a Spotlight event? How many typically attend?
The audience consists of accredited investors within the Dartmouth Angels network. Each event features up to five selected startups pitching to this engaged group.

When is the right time to apply for angel funding?
You may apply at any stage, but we recommend having a working product and some early traction or proof points to increase your likelihood of success.

If I’m not selected for the current cycle, can I reapply?
Yes. You’re welcome to reapply in future cycles. Applications are reviewed fresh each round, with extra consideration given to any progress or milestones reached since your previous submission.