Illini Angels is a powerful cohort of investors – a team that brings decades experience in investing, innovating, building strong companies, establishing connections, and encouraging the highest-impact relationships. Every opportunity we create reflects the world-class technological leadership of the University of Illinois and its thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Healthcare, pharma, ag tech, energy – regardless of the industry, you’re going to find real innovation and valuable IP at the heart of our portfolio companies.

A program of Illinois Ventures, Illini Angels draws talent, ideas, startups, and members from all three University of Illinois System campuses.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the number three public university for raising capital, according to PitchBook. Its alumni have started nearly 550 companies that have raised more than $21 billion. More than 5,000 students participate in entrepreneurial programs on campus every year. Faculty have access to resources like early-stage incubator support through the university’s EnterpriseWorks, corporate partnerships through Research Park and the Discovery Partners Institute, and extensive training opportunities through the National Science Foundation-funded and UIUC-led Great Lakes Innovation Corps Hub.

This incredible entrepreneurial ecosystem has generated world-changing ideas for decades, and the people trained in it have built the companies that drive global innovation daily. Illini Angels is backing the next generation of breakthrough companies, so they can have a transformational impact on investors, companies, the university, and the world.