San Diego Tech Coast Angels, the largest chapter of Tech Coast Angels, the second-biggest angel investing organization in the United States, announced that its 2014 investments reached an all-time record.
The group led funding rounds totaling $8.3 million for 16 companies, up from $7.3 million in 2013 with the San Diego chapter, accounting for half of all the investments made by the entire five-chapter network.
“We have a strong, dedicated group of members and strategic partners committed to doing their part in spurring our region’s innovation economy, which was a big value add in helping us build and complete our biggest investing year ever,” said Jeff Draa, president of the San Diego Tech Coast Angels. “There are so many great, talented entrepreneurs making a difference here, and we’re proud to offer our collective time, talent and treasure to support their business goals.”
The average investment raise per company last year was $518,000, up 27 percent from 2013. The funds placed into companies last year included both new funding and follow-on rounds. Funds were also allocated to TCA’s Angel Capital Entrepreneurs Fund, a diversified, early stage fund managed by key members of the organization. Companies supported in 2014 included Rock My World, Portfolium, Pedatric Bioscience and GroundMetrics.
Additionally, San Diego Tech Coast Angels had a record number of successful exits by companies in their portfolio in 2014, including Allylix, Mind Body Software, BlueBeam Software, AIRSIS and Vital Therapies.
“We’re constantly on the lookout for entrepreneurs with great ideas that are in need not only of funds, but also of the strategic counsel and guidance that come with our investment,” said Jack Scatizzi, lead analyst for San Diego Tech Coast Angels. “We expect 2015 to be a banner year for investment opportunities.”
Since its establishment in 1997, Tech Coast Angels has funded more than 269 companies with more than $162 million. The organization’s portfolio of companies has gone on to attract an additional $1 billion in investment capital.
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