Gaingels Scout Program
Scout Program
Discover how to join
Gaingels Scout Program
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Scout Program
Gaingels Membership is the syndicate’s core program for accredited investors and allied supporters who want to back high‑growth startups while advancing diversity in venture capital. Members receive curated access to SPV‑structured investments that range from seed to pre‑IPO, with allocations sourced through partnerships with leading VC funds and referrals from the 4 600‑strong community.
Beyond deal flow, the program delivers weekly newsletters, founder AMA sessions and focus‑group calls where seasoned angels dissect live opportunities. A parallel Social Membership lets non‑accredited allies join events and learning series, widening the movement’s reach.
Since 2019, members have deployed more than $900 million across 2 600 rounds, helping build a portfolio that now includes 70‑plus unicorns such as Databricks, MasterClass and Grove Collaborative. Participants also tap Gaingels’ Board Access and Venture Inclusion initiatives, which match diverse executives to portfolio boards and provide DEI toolkits for founders.
Join the Superscout community!
🌍 Meet other scouts globally.
👀 Get first dibs on new scout programs and VC openings.
✨ Get feedback and investor recommendations for your deal memos.
✌️ Learn and grow together as a community!
Gaingels is a venture investment syndicate in service of the LGBT+ community and its allies, investing in companies with LGBT+ founders and C-suite leaders at all stages of growth, as well as in more established companies resolved on building more inclusive teams, with a global portfolio of 130+ companies and $70M in deployed investment capital todate. The Gaingels network also actively supports its portfolio in identifying and recruiting diverse talent to their C-suite and board leadership teams and fosters a vibrant global community of industry leaders, investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who share a common goal for positive social change through business and successful investments.
Prospective investors complete a 5‑to‑10‑minute online form, after which Gaingels conducts KYC and identity checks. Qualified applicants schedule a 30‑minute call with the membership team to discuss goals, risk tolerance and community expectations. Decisions follow within one week. Applicants must self‑certify as SEC‑defined accredited investors to access deal information; non‑accredited individuals may join as Social Members for events and educational content only. The program operates year‑round with no cohort limits, and new members gain platform access immediately upon acceptance.
Each investment is made through a special‑purpose vehicle that charges a one‑time administrative fee (currently about $8 000, shared pro rata) and a 20 percent carried‑interest waterfall on returns. Gaingels principals invest personal capital alongside the syndicate, fully aligning incentives. There are no performance fees or carry on membership itself, and investors retain discretion over whether to participate in any given deal.
Gaingels charges no joining or annual dues. Members only incur costs when they opt into an SPV, covering their pro rata share of the administrative fee plus the invested principal. The organisation recommends—but does not mandate—deploying at least $10 000 per year to build a diversified portfolio.
Membership onboarding is continuous and follows a simple four‑step path:
What types of membership exist?
Gaingels offers Standard Membership for accredited investors and Social Membership for non‑accredited allies.
Is there a minimum annual investment?
No fixed minimum, though active members are encouraged to deploy about $10 k per year across deals.
Are there any joining fees?
No—membership is free; costs arise only when you invest in an SPV.
How long does the application process take?
Typically one week from form submission to decision.
Can I participate if I’m new to venture capital?
Yes. The community runs a monthly Intro to Investing series to help newcomers understand risks and mechanics.
Do members get portfolio‑wide updates?
Weekly newsletters summarise new deals, portfolio news and upcoming events.
What fees apply to each deal?
An SPV admin fee (about $8 000, split pro rata) and 20 percent carried interest on profits.
How does Gaingels source deals?
Through relationships with top VC leads, member referrals and an internal scouting team.
Can Social Members upgrade later?
Yes—once accredited, they can convert to Standard Membership and access investments.
What support do portfolio companies receive?
Diverse‑talent recruiting help, board candidate introductions and a global network of operators and customers.
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