Get Funded in the City That Never Stops: New York City’s Top Angel Investment Groups

Angel investment groups are a vital source of funding and support for startups in New York City. These organizations provide early-stage funding to promising startups in a wide range of industries, from healthcare and technology to consumer products and media.

According to a report by the New York State Comptroller, the venture capital industry in New York City has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2020, venture capital investment in the city reached $15.6 billion, up from $12.6 billion in 2019. The report also notes that New York City has the second-largest concentration of venture capital firms in the United States, after the San Francisco Bay Area.

Here are ten of the top angel investment groups in New York City, along with a description and examples of startups they have invested in:

1. New York Angels: Founded in 2004, New York Angels is one of the most active angel investment groups in the city. The group has invested in over 130 companies across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consumer products. Some of the startups they have invested in include PayPerks, a financial education and rewards platform, and Via, a ride-sharing service.
2. Empire Angels: Empire Angels is an angel investment group that focuses on early-stage startups in the technology sector. The group has invested in companies that are using technology to disrupt traditional industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail. Some of the startups they have invested in include Thinx, a company that makes innovative menstrual products, and Boxed, a mobile commerce platform.
3. Robin Hood Ventures: Robin Hood Ventures is an angel investment group that focuses on startups in the Philadelphia and New York City areas. The group has invested in over 70 companies across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, software, and consumer products. Some of the startups they have invested in include Sustain Natural, a company that makes eco-friendly personal care products, and LIA Diagnostics, a developer of a flushable and sustainable pregnancy test.
4. Brooklyn Bridge Ventures: Brooklyn Bridge Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups in New York City and the surrounding areas. The firm focuses on companies that are disrupting traditional industries, such as healthcare, education, and media. Some of the startups they have invested in include Canary, a home security company, and Hungryroot, a food delivery service.
5. Golden Seeds: Golden Seeds is an angel investment group that focuses on startups led by women. The group has invested in over 150 companies in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consumer products. Some of the startups they have invested in include Hint Water, a flavored water company, and K Health, a telemedicine platform.
6. Newark Venture Partners: Newark Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in startups in the Newark, New Jersey area, as well as New York City. The firm focuses on companies in the technology sector, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Some of the startups they have invested in include Gig Wage, a payroll platform for gig workers, and Ellevest, an investment platform designed for women.
7. Harlem Capital Partners: Harlem Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that focuses on startups founded by women and people of color. The firm has invested in over 60 companies across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, fintech, and media. Some of the startups they have invested in include Airfordable, a company that helps users pay for flights in installments, and Blavity, a media company focused on Black millennials.
8. Canaan Partners: Canaan Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in startups in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, fintech, and consumer products. The firm has invested in over 500 companies since its founding in 1987, including startups such as LendingClub, a peer-to-peer lending platform, and Kabam, a mobile game developer.
9. ff Venture Capital: ff Venture Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, cybersecurity, and consumer products. The firm has invested in over 120 companies since its founding in 2008, including startups such as Plated, a meal kit delivery service, and Indiegogo, a crowdfunding platform.
10. Great Oaks Venture Capital: Great Oaks Venture Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in startups in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, and financial services. The firm has invested in over 70 companies since its founding in 2011, including startups such as Handy, a home services platform, and Peloton, an exercise equipment and media company.

According to a report by the National Venture Capital Association, angel investments are an important source of funding for startups, particularly in the early stages. In 2019, angel investors provided over $25 billion in funding to startups across the United States, with the largest share of funding going to healthcare, software, and consumer products companies.

These ten angel investment groups are just a small sample of the many active investors in New York City’s thriving startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder looking for funding or an investor looking for new opportunities, these angel investment groups offer a valuable resource for connecting with potential partners and building a successful company. As always, it’s important to carefully review each group’s investment criteria and track record before making any investment decisions.