Putting Michigan First!
“What Michigan needs at this point in time is smart money. Investors that are willing to do what is Possible vs. what is Probable.”
– Doron York / Founder & CEO
Michigan Early-Stage Tech Index Fund.
Great Lakes Angels Fund – GLAF is a Michigan based early stage venture fund that provides its investors with highly qualified deals and complete backroom and startup support that is managed by CitySide Ventures, a full service venture group.
Great Lakes Angels Fund – GLAF is a unique venture fund that is intent and designed is to build a high performance Tech based Index Fund across 12 different industries and market sectors. to facilitate highly profitable and scalable Michigan based early-stage tech startups.
Through the use of our unique platform, and other resources, the Great Lakes Angels Fund will have the ability to attract, vet and invest in high quality deals, across our region and across the US and North America.
10000000
CAPITAL UNDER MANAGEMENT
250000
MAX. PER DEAL
40+
NUMBER OF INVESTMENTS
12
TECH SECTORS
Why investing in our fund?
Our team, our cutting edge technology and our backroom support is second to none.
01. Fastest Growing Asset Class
In the past 10 plus years Early-Stage venture investing is the fastest growing alternative investment asset class.
With no correlation to the traditional asset class, venture investing outperforms any other asset class in a ratio of 5:1. Better than real-estate, better than the stock market and better than commodities and futures trading.
02. Proven Track Record
Since 2019 we have invested in over 32 high performing tech startups companies.
Prior to launch of our fund we have invested through our Birmingham Angels syndicate in 24 high performing Michigan based tech startups producing a 3.2X increase in book value in 24 month. We know how to pick the winners.
03. 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 Services04. High Quality Deal Flow
The core makeup of a high performance investment portfolio is the quality of the deals.
Through our extensive capital network and relationship our managing partners have built over the years with some of the top startup accelerators around the globe 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 investors the “Top” deals the market has to offer.
05. 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.
View our Backroom ServicesWhat type of investors we are looking for?
Is Great lakes Angels Fund 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.