San Diego Angel Conference
Activating new angel investors through hands-on experience.
Overview
The San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC) is a structured angel-investment and startup pitch program anchored by San Diego State University. It serves two sides of the market: accredited early-stage investors receive training, network sessions, and a hands-on fund process; U.S.-based startups apply to pitch for potential angel investment. The program connects angel investors with early-stage entrepreneurs seeking capital, focusing on practical participation in investment activities rather than traditional classroom instruction.
Investment focus
SDAC aims to activate new angel investors by providing a practical, learn-by-doing environment that results in scalable startup investments. The program emphasizes community-driven approaches and collaborative decision-making among investors, focusing on early-stage startups in the San Diego region.
Program details
Designed for Founders, Investors. The program is hybrid. Participation is generally part time.
Who it is for
Startup applicants must be U.S.-based companies across industries. Investor programming is for accredited early-stage investors; official pages do not publish a founder demographic focus.
Check your startup’s fit
Check your eligibility for San Diego Angel ConferenceAdmissions and application
Applications are accepted through an application-only process. Startups submitted applications, decks, and videos for investor review; investors screened applicants, selected top companies, conducted due diligence, chose finalists, and made investment decisions at the finale.
Benefits
Startups get exposure to accredited early-stage investors, application review, feedback/debriefs if eliminated, pitch preparation, and possible angel investment. Investor participants get a learn-by-doing angel investing experience, including knowledge/network events, application evaluation, sourcing, due diligence, finalist review, and a member-managed fund process.
Timeline
The program runs for 12 weeks, structured into phases of education and investment activities, culminating in a live pitch competition.
What came of it
The 2026 cycle culminated in Fund VIII investor decisions at SDSU, with at least $200,000 promised to be invested in one or more high-potential startups.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Participants engage in a micro-fund model, with investments typically ranging from $7,000 to $100,000 per company.
Questions about this program
What is the San Diego Angel Conference?
The San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC) is a structured angel-investment and startup pitch program that connects accredited early-stage investors with U.S.-based startups seeking capital.
How can startups apply?
Startups can apply through an application-only process, submitting a deck, video, and written statement. The application for the 2026 cycle is currently closed.
About San Diego State University Lavin Entrepreneurship Center
San Diego State University Lavin Entrepreneurship Center
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From public sources
What the sources say about San Diego Angel Conference
SDSU's agenda includes diligence, investment, and post-investment engagement.
Source: SDAC Angel Academy pageSDSU places the one-day academy within 2026 investor events.
Source: SDAC Angel Academy pageSDSU currently lists these Fund VIII amounts.
Source: SDSU 2026 SDAC FinaleSDSU reports these applicant and finalist figures.
Source: SDSU 2026 SDAC FinaleSDSU lists the 2026 finale date and location.
Source: SDSU 2026 SDAC FinaleSDSU describes a 12-week evaluation ending in a finalist showcase.
Source: SDAC startups seeking investment page
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