San Diego Angel Conference at USD’s Knauss School of Business Launches SDAC VI Fund with Two Major Events: Entrepreneur Program Kick Off/Mixer and Alternative Funding Expo

Startups seeking funding are invited to SDAC VI entrepreneur meetup Sept. 12; and Funding Expo on Sept. 19, featuring education and connections to funding sources

San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC), a program within University of San Diego (USD) Knauss School of Business and in partnership with The Brink SBDC, is launching its sixth angel conference series – SDAC VI – to activate accredited angel investors and mentor promising early-stage companies. SDAC provides guidance, education, resources, and valuable connections to early-stage companies seeking angel funding, while actively engaging first-time and experienced angel investors.

E-Track Kick Off and Mixer at USD (no cost):

This year, the SDAC is working with The Brink SBDC to deliver the fall series with 15 weeks of content. The San Diego Entrepreneurs Exchange (SDEE), a valued SDAC partner, is also sponsoring the mixer for the kick off of SDAC’s Entrepreneurs Track (E-Track), on Sept. 12. The E-Track is open to early-stage company founders to develop, explore, and refine fundamentals required to seek angel investment. During the 4-month series, founders meet weekly (either in person or remotely) to network, gather resources, learn and connect with experts and investors, and explore topics critical to raising money. The E-Track culminates with the Dec. 19, 2023 application deadline and a celebration as companies compete for ~$200,000* investment from ~75 SEC-accredited investors. Register here.

SDAC Alternative Funding Expo (no cost):

The Alternative Funding expo at USD explores non-traditional ways for growing companies to raise money. Alternative funding mechanisms include non-dilutive funding (grants, gifts, and awards), equity-based crowdfunding, non-equity crowdfunding, angel investing, venture capital, and initial public offerings, crowdfunding, revenue-based, debt and more. Angel funds, venture funds, funding platforms, revenue-based lending organizations, and individual accredited investors have been invited to come and share information about their resources and talk with individuals at this unique event. Register here.

See the entire SDAC/The Brink SBDC E-Track series here.

SDAC is open to early-stage companies that have potential for a 10X return within five years. The deadline to apply for potential funding is Dec. 19 at www.thesdangels.com/apply.

New and experienced angel investors can access information on joining the SDAC VI fund and participating in investor education, networking, and USD President’s Club events at www.thesdangels.com/angel-investor. SDAC investors begin reviewing deals in February.

With about 100 early-stage companies participating and vying for a share of an investment fund of $200,000* or more each year, SDAC has become one of the largest angel investor conferences nationwide. Over five years, SDAC has invested $4.6M directly in 17 portfolio companies. Monitoring all companies that apply and all investors that participate, SDAC has tracked over $191M to date.

Last year, LIMBER Prosthetics & Orthotics won the SDAC V top spot and received an investment of $263,000 for its affordable, personalized 3-D prosthetic legs. Follow-on investments to LIMBER through SDAC angels took the total invested to $398,000. Runners-up were awarded funding as follows: Relavo - $150,000 and Athletiverse - $100,000.

USD Knauss School of Business Dean Tim Keane says, “This important program sits at the intersection of innovative problem-solving and wealth-building by connecting promising early-stage companies with engaged angel investors eager to invest in world-changing ideas.”

SDAC Founder Mysty Rusk says, “Our goals are to activate accredited investors and fund innovative, early-stage companies developing potentially disruptive products and services. USD’s Free Enterprise Institute, Brink SBDC, and SDAC collaborate seamlessly to ‘get to yes!’ as USD leads in bolstering values-driven free enterprise by supporting an enduring network of entrepreneurs, partners, sponsors, and investors.”

SDAC is able to activate accredited investors by providing education and training about angel investing, good deal flow, and building a network of investors, while helping investors develop and refine their own decision-making around investing.

SDAC is a USD Knauss School of Business program that is sponsored by C3 Bank, Mintz, Knobbe Martens, SDSU, Coeptus Law, Clearpoint Agency, and UCSD.

*Actual amount invested depends on the total dollars raised. Historically, investors have exceeded both the estimated investment amount and number of companies funded.

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