“It takes a community of committed people to build and scale a startup. It is a marathon not a sprint.”
– Doron York / Founder & CEO – CitySide Ventures
East Michigan most active Angel Group. Period
We have created a group for active, progressive and seasoned business professionals that are interested in funding Michigan Tech based startup companies. Launched in late 2022 we have built a high growth portfolio of companies. We are a home for innovative investors that want to give back and support our great state while having fun and growing their personal wealth.
We operate with Michigan First mindset. Making a positive and noticeable impact on the local startup ecosystem, making Michigan the place to start and grow a startup.
The Founding Members
Establish in 2021, our members represent a wide spectrum of business experience, expertise and competencies
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Our Extended Team
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
Why join EastSide Angels?
At CitySide Ventures we have committed our minds and our resources to build a high performance startup portfolio that is second to none.
01. The “Crowd Wisdom” Effect.
Investing as a cohesive and seasoned business professional community, we are working on building a solid knowledge base and experience.
Our purpose and intention is to allow our members to dramatically increase their Investment[IQ] - the network effect. Diverse backgrounds and experiences offer insights and perspective when evaluating investment opportunities - providing confidence when making an investment decision. Guiding our members to make wise and intelligent decisions.
02. High Quality Deal Flow.
The core makeup of a high performance investment portfolio is the quality of the deals.
Through our extensive capital network that our managing partners have built over the years we are able to access a large volume of high quality deals. It is more important where the deals are coming from than how many deals we are. We will showcase our members the “Top” deals the market has to offer.
03. Cutting Edge Technology
We have developed an innovative Venture Management System - [VMS] platform with cutting edge technology that is second to none.
We have developed a cutting edge technology platform that is second to none. We are able to execute our fast track record of Pitch-To-Funding in 60 days (our turnaround average is 48 days), while cutting the transaction cost by 70%. As a group we take advantage of the economy of scale to everyone's benefit.
Our Venture Management04. Full Backroom Support
There is a lot going into screening, vetting and finding an Investment Grade startup. They are few and far in between.
There is a lot going into screening, vetting and finding an Investment Grade startup. Our extraordinary and knowledgeable backroom team with vast experience in Marketing, Business Operation, Finance and Technology is doing all the “Heavy” lifting for our members. From deal flow management, to Due-Diligence to Capital Call managemen to Closing Administration and ongoing Portfolio Management we are doing it all, a true white glove service to our members.
View our Backroom Services05. Making an Impact
Together with our members, sponsors and business partners we are committed to making a positive and long lasting impact on Michigan’s local communities.
Throughout our community involvement initiatives position us as catalysts of creating new high paying jobs, keeping our companies and our talent in our state and deploying more early-stage capital into our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What type of investors we are looking for?
Is EastSide Angels the best fit for your investment strategy?
[01]. Accreditation
Owing to the nature of venture investments, to participate in this asset class one must be an accredited investor according to SEC rules. Given the risky nature of Angel investing, not only is this a regulatory requirement, it is highly critical for members to know and be fully informed. Although it is a self accreditation, it is important for us that all current and future investors will be accredited.
[02]. Credibility
As we support our portfolio of investments to be highly profitable, it is appropriate that our members will demonstrate a skill set or experience that can be leveraged. Displaying a solid track record of managing and or building successful businesses, as an entrepreneur or operating executive. The wide spectrum of our members’ unique skills come from diverse industry sectors such as automotive, medicine, law, technology, finance and more.
[03]. Business Mindset
For some of our members, BA is their exposure to angel investing, some were already seasoned early-stage investors. It is important for our new members to demonstrate appreciation for early-stage companies. This could be in the form of a successful entrepreneur, experienced operators, evaluating companies, or mentoring and developing start-ups, which of a constant need a lot of tenderness and care.
[04]. Social Capital
One of the most critical areas in which our members can best support our portfolio companies is through introductions to potential customers, marketing, business operation, hiring and general business advice. Members with an extensive and highly credible business professional network. We are looking for members that have extensive social capital networks and are willing to share for the benefit of growing and expanding the group.
[05]. Dedication
The success of Birmingham Angels lies in the energy and drive of its members. We expect new members to get involved and dedicate time to BA activities. Participate in activities such as attending screening sessions, taking an active role in due diligence and identifying investment opportunities and bringing new potential members to follow their footsteps. There are also a number of Committees and Special Interest Groups where members collaborate and contribute.
[06]. Financial Wealth
For the past three years BA has invested at a rate in excess of $1.5M per year. This pace of investing can be mainiane only if our members are willing to participate write checks. Our members should have the financial capability to invest access capital at least a minimum of $50,000 annually, and to participate in at least one BA investment per year. We are looking for active, approachable and fast moving investors.
[07]. Commitment
Investing in early-stage companies is very different from managing other investments asset classes. It is highly recommended that a new member can demonstrate some of their level of commitment by investing or supporting at least one early stage venture over the course of the next 12 months.
[08]. Risk Ability
Not only one must be Accredited Investors, we are committed that new members understand the inherent risks involved in angel investing. Research by the Angel Capital Association found that 52% of angel funded startups will fail with 0 return within the first three years, meaning that investors probably will lose all of their investment. It is also recognized that even successful investments will be paying the investors within 5-7 years.
[10]. Diversity
Both our membership and our portfolio company founders are well-diversified on the gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic and other relevant fronts. We are looking for members that show deep appreciation, respect, sensitivity to all cultures and we welcome our members from all walks of life.
Ready to join EastSide Angels?
Please review your option before applying
Level .01
General Membership
This membership level is designed for Semi-Active investors that are interested in investing in a highly qualified and well vetted investment opportunities with no intention or desire for any other involvement.
Level .02
Advisory Memership
This membership level is designed for Highly-Active investors that are interested in investing in a highly qualified and well vetted investment opportunities and would like to contribute their time and expertise to support theirs portfolio.