We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural cohort of Equity Wings, our angel investing training program designed to empower professionals to make their mark in the world of early-stage investing. After a rigorous selection process, we are proud to present a diverse and talented group of 46 individuals who are ready to take flight as angel investors.

Meet the Cohort: A Snapshot of Expertise and Ambition

Our first cohort is a dynamic mix of professionals from various industries and roles, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the program. Here’s a closer look at the composition of the group:

• Accredited Investors: 18 of our cohort members are accredited investors, which means they meet the SEC’s requirements for income and net worth, positioning them to make substantial investments in startups. These individuals are well-prepared to leverage their financial capacity to support innovative ventures.
• Industry Expertise: The cohort represents a broad spectrum of industries, with a notable concentration in technology-related fields. The top industries include:
  • Health: Health & Wellness, Healthcare, Mental Health, Digital Health, Healthtech, Behavioral Health, Health IT, MedTech
    
  • Cybersecurity & Technology: The importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age is reflected by participants who specialize in this critical area.
  • Artificial Intelligence, SaaS, Automation: Participants with expertise in these cutting-edge sectors are poised to drive transformative investments.
• Diverse Professional Roles: The cohort features a wide range of professional roles, from seasoned executives to entrepreneurial founders. The most common roles include:
  • Founder/CEO: 4 participants are founders or CEOs, bringing firsthand experience in building and scaling startups.
  • Senior Principal: 2 participants hold senior principal positions, offering strategic leadership experience.
  • CEO: 2 additional participants are CEOs, highlighting the leadership caliber present in the cohort.

What This Means for the Future of Angel Investing

The Equity Wings program is not just about educating new angel investors; it’s about building a community of leaders who are passionate about supporting underrepresented founders and driving innovation in industries that matter. The diversity in our cohort’s expertise—ranging from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence—ensures that they will be well-equipped to evaluate and invest in a wide variety of startups.

A Journey of Growth and Impact

Over the next several weeks, these 46 individuals will engage in intensive training, learning the intricacies of angel investing, from performing due diligence to making strategic investment decisions. They will also gain insights into syndicating deals, navigating legal and financial complexities, and providing post-investment support to startups.

As these new angel investors take their first steps, we are confident that they will not only grow their personal portfolios but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable startup ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly excited to see the impact that this inaugural cohort of Equity Wings will have on the startup landscape. Their success will pave the way for future cohorts and inspire more Black professionals to join the ranks of angel investors.

Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and the exciting milestones ahead!

For more information about Equity Wings and how to get involved, visit our Equity Wings Program Page.