Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators
Fueling the Future of Startups
Join us in transforming groundbreaking ideas into successful ventures with the support of Desert Angels.
Our Mission and Impact
Desert Angels has helped launch 165+ companies across North America.
We are a nationally recognized, non-profit network of accredited investors based in Tucson, Arizona. Since 2000, we’ve helped high-potential startups access the capital, mentorship, and strategic connections they need to grow. Our members have invested over $65 million in early-stage companies across a broad range of industries. Whether you’re a founder seeking funding or an investor looking to make an impact, Desert Angels is here to help you take the next step.
Our Mission: Fueling Innovation Through Investment
Desert Angels exists to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen innovation across North America. Our mission is to be recognized as an innovative leader in early-stage investing by connecting committed investors with the founders building tomorrow’s solutions.
We believe that entrepreneurship is the engine of a better future. That’s why we don’t just fund startups — we become partners, working closely with companies to help them navigate growth, meet milestones, and attract follow-on capital. Our focused, hands-on approach ensures that our members support ventures not only financially, but also strategically and personally.
Need Funding? We're Ready to Invest in You.
If you’re building a scalable business and have a bold vision for the future, we’d love to connect.”
Please note that we DO NOT consider SAFEs.
Join the Desert Angels Network
If you’re an accredited investor looking to support promising early-stage companies while gaining access to deal flow, community, and insights, we invite you to join us. As a member, you’ll participate in monthly pitch sessions, collaborate on diligence, and contribute your expertise to help founders succeed.
Whether you’re in Tucson or halfway around the world, Desert Angels offers flexible engagement options, including virtual meetings and online collaboration. Our members invest directly and through a pooled individually member-managed investment group (“SPV”), enabling multiple ways to get involved.
Our Impact in Numbers
Companies We've Helped Launch
Millions Invested in Early-Stage Startups
Years of Fostering Innovation
What Our Portfolio Company Founders Say
Our investment is more than just capital — it’s a partnership. Founders supported by Desert Angels consistently cite the value of our mentorship, strategic guidance, and investor engagement.
“Desert Angels’ support was instrumental in our success.”
Louis Bretton, CEO, Calimune, Inc.
“Desert Angels is the cornerstone for Reglagene.”
Richard Austin, PhD, CEO Reglagene, Inc.
“Desert Angels has been exceptional in providing me and the rest of our leadership team mentorship and advice.”
Chris Dugan, CEO Imago Rehab
What is Angel Investing
Angel investors provide early capital and mentorship to startups in exchange for equity. At Desert Angels, our members help founders build and scale great companies.
Realizing Angel Investment
How Desert Angels makes realizing high-performance angel investment happen.
Capital Investment
We provide essential funding to help startups scale and reach their full potential, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
Strategic Connections
Our extensive network connects startups with industry leaders and potential partners, fostering growth and collaboration.
Investor Education
We offer educational resources and workshops to help investors make informed decisions and maximize their returns.
Mentorship Programs
Our experienced members offer guidance and mentorship to startups, helping them overcome challenges and achieve milestones.
Due Diligence Support
We assist startups in preparing for investor scrutiny, ensuring they are well-positioned to attract investment.
Community Engagement
We actively participate in building a vibrant entrepreneurial community, supporting events and initiatives that drive innovation.
Quick Answers to FAQs
What are the most commonly accepted forms of funding?
Angel Investors consider several forms of funding to be most accepted. These include: (1) Preferred Equity, (2) Convertible Notes (essentially a short-term – 12 to 36 months in duration loan) that earn interest over the term of the note, and upon the occurrence of either the end of the note term or a pre-defined financing event convert to a specified form or equity, most typically preferred equity the purchase price of that equity is subject to a discount of 10% to as high as 30%, (3) Bridge Notes – a very short term (less than 18 months) form of a Convertible note, which in addition to earning interest and enabling the purchase of the to be issued equity at a pre-defined discount, is also protected by a pre-defined conversion limit or ceiling, which provides superior value protection to the investor at the time of the conversion event. It is important to realize that notes of all forms should always exist uniquely and should never be issued back-to-back.
From Our Blog: News & Updates
Calls for More Angel Investing
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – April 30, 2025 - A recurring theme at the National Angel Capital Organization’s 2025 NACO Summit in Ottawa this week has been the need for funding at all levels of the startup lifecycle, but especially in the early stages. Given that the...
Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking
04/21/2025 Delta Development Team APRU - Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking Even after four years in support of combat operations, the Delta Development Team APRU keeps going back into the field to help save lives. Learn the Full Story here!
Ventura County firefighters make history with in-the-field blood transfusions
04/21/2025 Venture Count Firefighters Make History w/In the Field Blood Transfusions Alys Martinez highlights the medical history made by Ventura County firefighters, who performed California's first pre-hospital blood transfusion. See the video of Delta Development...
Our Dedicated Team
Our team is composed of seasoned professionals committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs helping them to thrive.
Join the Desert Angels Community
Unlock exclusive access to early-stage investment opportunities with Desert Angels. Be part of a network that has successfully launched over 165 companies, and help shape the future of innovation. Whether you’re an experienced investor or new to angel investing, we offer the resources and connections to help you succeed.