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.
We do more than invest, because Grand Angels’ objective is to build world-class companies and entrepreneurial talent. Our members are only successful if the people with whom we invest are successful. That means developing talent. Therefore, we are committed to utilizing our financial, intellectual and networking resources to help our portfolio achieve more. We do this from our base in West Michigan, and work to actively enhance the economic development of the region.
Grand Angels is comprised of two operations:
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
Grand Angels Venture Fund is a committed capital fund that was created in 2015 by legacy members involved in Grand Angels’ member network who sought to diversify investments through a traditional venture fund. Grand Angels Venture Fund will invest in 12-15 companies during the next few years, and provide follow-on investments for portfolio companies. Its focus is in B2B technology, advanced manufacturing, advanced agriculture technology and life sciences companies that are currently generating revenues, or are pre-revenue with a clear path to exit. Since its formation, the fund has closed eight deals.
Because of our commitment to growing strong entrepreneurs and their companies, we are seeking to invest in Michigan and Midwest based companies.
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 sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (Kansas City, MO), which continues to provide leadership and resources for angel investors across the country.
Details of Grand Angels most recent activity can be found in its Annual Report.
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 $22.6 million in 34 companies through 103 financing rounds. In 2016 alone, Grand Angels invested $3.65 million in ten companies through 12 financing rounds.
Today, Grand Angels is comprised of two operations, the Angel Network, with 44 active members and Grand Angels Venture Fund, which launched in 2015.