Grand Angels is one of Michigan’s most active and most consistent investment organizations, and we are the longest-serving regional investment group that offers robust mentoring paired with patient capital.
Grand Angels’ objective is to build world-class companies and entrepreneurial talent through investment and mentoring. Our members are only successful if the people with whom we invest are successful. We are committed to utilizing our financial, intellectual and networking resources to help our portfolio companies achieve more. Our commitment is to grow strong entrepreneurs and companies in Michigan and the Midwest region.
Angel Network
The Grand Angels’ member network operates as a traditional angel organization. Each accredited member investor makes his or her own investment into a startup company, with due diligence shared among the members and decisions agreed upon within the context of the group.
Grand Angels Venture Fund II
Grand Angels Venture Fund II (GA Fund II) is a committed capital fund that was created in 2015 by legacy Grand Angels members who sought to diversify investments through a traditional venture fund. To date, GA Fund II has invested in 14 companies. Its focus is in B2B technology, advanced manufacturing, agriculture technology, and life sciences companies that are currently generating revenues, or are pre-revenue with a clear path to exit. Learn about the Portfolio Companies in GA Fund II.
Grand Angels Venture Fund III
Grand Angels has filed to create Grand Angels Venture Fund III (GA Fund III), a new $25 million venture capital fund. GA Fund III is created to profitably attract more emerging technologies that can take advantage of Michigan’s legacy in advanced manufacturing and materials. For more information on GA Fund III, contact Paul D’Amato (paul@damato.us) or Janet Wyllie (wylliej@grandangels.org).
The Grand Angels organization is supported by member fees and generous corporate and academic sponsorships. Grand Angels is a member of the Angel Capital Association, an organization founded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (Kansas City, MO), which continues to provide leadership and resources for angel investors across the country.
HISTORY
Grand Angels was founded in 2004 by former Grand Bank founder and CEO, Charles C. Stoddard, and serial entrepreneur, Craig T. Hall. They recruited other community leaders willing to join them in the vision of making “investments with a difference.”
In 2005, the angels recruited Jody D. Vanderwel, an experienced corporate attorney, to serve as president of the organization. Vanderwel has accelerated the growth of the organization and increased its visibility during her twelve-year tenure.
In November of 2016, Timothy S. Parker became the organizations second president. Parker is an energetic entrepreneur and global business leader with a passion for developing people, products and processes. Most recently he was president and founder of an export, trading and consulting startup with the goal of increasing trade between Michigan and Asian markets.
Since its inception, Grand Angels has invested $29,9 million in 41 companies through 125 financing rounds. So far in 2018, Grand Angels has invested $1.9 million in 10 companies.
Today, Grand Angels is comprised of two operations, the Angel Network, with 50 active members and Grand Angels Venture Fund II, which launched in 2015.