Columbia Angel Network

Overview

The Columbia Angel Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization comprising Columbia University alumni who are interested in investing in early-stage ventures affiliated with the university. Operating as a subsidiary of the Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York, CAN aims to support Columbia-affiliated entrepreneurs and foster the Columbia venture community. The network is open to all university alumni and current students, with investments made directly into startups without carried interest or management fees. CAN's investment focus includes U.S.-based startups with at least one Columbia alumni in a leadership role, preferably as part of the founding team. The network generally invests between $50,000 and $200,000 in pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding rounds, with a preference for companies that have already secured a lead investor. CAN maintains close relationships with Columbia University and its community, collaborating with groups like the Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center, the Athena Fellowship, and the Columbia Business School Entrepreneurship Club (CEO) to be at the center of the university's entrepreneurship and early-stage investing community. Led by an advisory council of alumni and select faculty, CAN provides a platform for accredited investors affiliated with Columbia University to connect with attractive investment opportunities, build relationships within the Columbia community, and engage with innovative new companies and founders. The network also offers mentorship and advice to the Columbia venture community, contributing to the development and success of startups within the university's ecosystem.

Investment Focus

• U.S.-based startups
• At least one Columbia alumni in a leadership role
• Preferably part of the founding team
• Rounds between $500,000 and $5,000,000
• Prefer companies with a lead investor already secured