San Diego Angel Conference Accepting Applications for Program Connecting Startups to Angel Investors, Culminates in $200,000 in Funding

SAN DIEGO –  San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC), a program that activates accredited angel investors and engages promising early-stage companies that drive the innovation ecosystem, is accepting applications from startups looking for funding, as well as from first-time and experienced angel investors interested in building their investment portfolios. The application deadline for entrepreneurs is December 16, and investors begin reviewing deals in January.

With about 100 early-stage companies vying to be selected each year and an estimated $500,000 going to the winner and runners up in varied award amounts, SDAC has become one of the largest angel investor programs in the country. 

For Early-Stage Companies 

Through a series of free workshops, SDAC provides the education and mentoring startups need to understand what angel investors look for; how to communicate with investors, and how to negotiate the deal. Several of these workshops enable entrepreneurs to practice their pitch and gain feedback from startup ecosystem experts. Early-stage companies also gain an invaluable network that provides advice, guidance, and career-long connections. The signature SDAC one-day conference and pitch competition, to be held in March 2021, allows six finalists to pitch directly to investors with hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line. Everyone who completes the SDAC program is eligible for a certificate of completion through University of San Diego (USD). 

For Angel Investors

Accredited angel investors can participate in the SDAC fund for a minimal investment of $6,000. Ideal for first-time angel investors, the SDAC program provides a low investment threshold along with training on how to spot investment-worthy startups and conduct due diligence.  

Investors can also participate passively by simply contributing to the fund and bypass the training. No matter the experience level, angel investors gain a valuable network and benefit from the knowledge shared among the group as they participate in decision-making for the fund. 

“The main goal of SDAC is to activate new investors and connect them to great companies as a way to enhance the innovation ecosystem. Our motto is ‘Get to yes!’ We help startups communicate with investors and create a culture of ‘yes’ among investors by mitigating risk and partnering with early-stage companies  toward success,” said Mysty Rusk, Founder of the San Diego Angel Conference. “The network created among the entrepreneurs, partners, sponsors, and investors leads to invaluable professional connections that live far beyond the conference.”

SDAC activates a healthy deal flow by partnering with top California universities including University of San Diego (USD), San Diego State University (SDSU), and University of California, San Diego (UCSD), resulting in introductions to first-time entrepreneurs eager to turn discoveries into businesses. SDAC also partners with 20+ organizations in the startup ecosystem. These connections, combined with the program’s reputation for excellence, enables SDAC to attract promising early-stage companies and manage a substantial investment fund. SDAC is supported by sponsors USD, Mintz, SDSU, Clearpoint Agency, and UCSD. 

About San Diego Angel Conference 

San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC) is one of the largest angel investment programs in the country, activating angel investors and engaging promising early-stage companies that drive the innovation ecosystem. Through a series of events and workshops that culminate in a one-day conference and pitch competition, SDAC provides valuable insights and hands-on education through separate entrepreneur and angel investor tracks. The program’s investment fund is managed by accredited investors who collectively decide which of the companies will receive funding each year. Visit www.thesdangels.com to see how SDAC helps entrepreneurs and angel investors “get to yes!” Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. 

Media Contact: 
Hilary McCarthy
hilary@clearpointagency.com
774-364-1440

About the University of San Diego

Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.