ACU Angel Network
Connecting active ACU investors with startups — and creating real-world experiences for students.
The ACU Angel Network brings together alumni and friends of Abilene Christian University who are actively investing in early-stage companies. Through curated deal flow and meaningful engagement, the network supports founders while creating hands-on learning opportunities for ACU students.
Membership in the ACU Angel Network is open to any alumnus, parent or friend of the university who is an accredited investor interested in early-stage, private investment opportunities.
Membership
-
There is no membership fee for members of the ACU community to participate in the ACU Angel Network.
We invite members to consider making a gift in support of ACU Entrepreneurship and student learning experiences, but any financial support is entirely optional and not required for participation.
-
The ACU Angel Network typically hosts two meetings each academic semester during the fall and spring. Meetings are most often held at ACU Dallas, with a virtual attendance option always available to ensure accessibility for members who are not able to join in person.
-
We seek early-stage companies with strong teams, defensible business models, and clear potential for growth and scalability. Founders should be prepared to present a compelling value proposition and vision for their business.
-
No, but members are encouraged to be prepared to invest at least $10,000 to $25,000 each year as opportunities pique their individual interest.
-
No. The network is a platform for sourcing and sharing opportunities. Members make individual investment decisions and deploy their own capital.
Founders are a core component of the ACU Angel Network. Early-stage companies that align with our investment profile are invited to apply, regardless of affiliation or location. While opportunities vary by industry, selected companies typically demonstrate a differentiated business model, early traction, and a capable founding team.
Founders Seeking Funding
-
The network conducts 4 screening cycles each year, consolidated to two 5-week review periods per academic semester. This format yields quarterly presentation meetings usually held in September, November, February, and April.
-
The remaining meeting dates and application dates for the 2025-26 academic year are as follows:
Meeting on Friday, Feb. 13th
Application Deadline: Jan 9th
Meeting on Friday, Apr. 17th
Application Deadline: Mar 13th -
In-person attendance is strongly encouraged for founders selected to present to the ACU Angel Network, as it allows for deeper engagement, relationship-building, and more robust discussion with members. Presentations are typically hosted at ACU Dallas, and in-person participation may be considered as part of the overall review process.
That said, the Network recognizes that travel is not always feasible, and virtual presentations can be accommodated when necessary. Presentation dates are scheduled in advance, and selected companies are expected to be available to present as assigned.
-
We seek early-stage companies with strong teams, defensible business models, and clear potential for growth and scalability. Founders should be prepared to present a compelling value proposition and vision for their business.
-
After you submit your application on Dealum, it enters a pre-screening phase where a screening committee determines whether your company aligns with our investment profile.
If selected for further review, you may be asked to provide additional materials and participate in follow-up discussions. From this evaluation, a subset of companies will be chosen to present at a scheduled ACU Angel Network meeting, where founders deliver a live pitch and engage with members.
-
Following a presentation to the ACU Angel Network, the Network’s role shifts to facilitating connections between interested members and the founding team. If members express interest in further diligence, follow-up conversations and meetings may be scheduled directly between founders and interested investors. The scope and timing of any additional diligence varies by opportunity, but members generally aim to complete their review within a reasonable period following the presentation meeting.
The ACU Angel Network integrates student learning into the investment process by providing structured exposure to real-world angel investing.
Students participate in all aspects of the network, including:
Screening and diligence research
Investor discussions and company evaluations
Meeting presentations and follow-up with members
Student participation is designed to enhance learning while maintaining a professional experience for founders and investors.