About Anchor Angels
Who We Are
Founded by the Vanderbilt community and modeled after Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs, Anchor Angels is an independent angel network open to anyone with a Vanderbilt connection — alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and community members. Our members are distributed nationwide.
Our Process
How We Invest
A transparent, community-driven process from application to investment.
Deal Sourcing
Startups reach us through partnerships with the Vanderbilt Center for Entrepreneurship, member referrals, and direct applications. Our pipeline is community-driven and continuously growing.
Deal Sourcing
Startups reach us through partnerships with the Vanderbilt Center for Entrepreneurship, member referrals, and direct applications. Our pipeline is community-driven and continuously growing.
Screening Committee
A committee of experienced investors reviews each pitch deck and executive summary, scoring against predefined criteria. Founders receive clear communication on decisions.
Screening Committee
A committee of experienced investors reviews each pitch deck and executive summary, scoring against predefined criteria. Founders receive clear communication on decisions.
Pitch Forum
Curated startups present at each forum — a 10–15 minute pitch followed by live Q&A with our investor members. Forums run approximately 2 hours, virtual or hybrid.
Pitch Forum
Curated startups present at each forum — a 10–15 minute pitch followed by live Q&A with our investor members. Forums run approximately 2 hours, virtual or hybrid.
Due Diligence
Interested members access data rooms and form ad-hoc diligence groups, sharing expertise to evaluate opportunities collaboratively. Follow-up calls with founders are coordinated.
Due Diligence
Interested members access data rooms and form ad-hoc diligence groups, sharing expertise to evaluate opportunities collaboratively. Follow-up calls with founders are coordinated.
Individual Investment
Members make individual investment decisions on their own terms. Anchor Angels does not pool capital, make investment recommendations, or invest as an entity.
Individual Investment
Members make individual investment decisions on their own terms. Anchor Angels does not pool capital, make investment recommendations, or invest as an entity.
Deal Sourcing
Startups reach us through partnerships with the Vanderbilt Center for Entrepreneurship, member referrals, and direct applications. Our pipeline is community-driven and continuously growing.
Deal Sourcing
Startups reach us through partnerships with the Vanderbilt Center for Entrepreneurship, member referrals, and direct applications. Our pipeline is community-driven and continuously growing.
Screening Committee
A committee of experienced investors reviews each pitch deck and executive summary, scoring against predefined criteria. Founders receive clear communication on decisions.
Screening Committee
A committee of experienced investors reviews each pitch deck and executive summary, scoring against predefined criteria. Founders receive clear communication on decisions.
Pitch Forum
Curated startups present at each forum — a 10–15 minute pitch followed by live Q&A with our investor members. Forums run approximately 2 hours, virtual or hybrid.
Pitch Forum
Curated startups present at each forum — a 10–15 minute pitch followed by live Q&A with our investor members. Forums run approximately 2 hours, virtual or hybrid.
Due Diligence
Interested members access data rooms and form ad-hoc diligence groups, sharing expertise to evaluate opportunities collaboratively. Follow-up calls with founders are coordinated.
Due Diligence
Interested members access data rooms and form ad-hoc diligence groups, sharing expertise to evaluate opportunities collaboratively. Follow-up calls with founders are coordinated.
Individual Investment
Members make individual investment decisions on their own terms. Anchor Angels does not pool capital, make investment recommendations, or invest as an entity.
Individual Investment
Members make individual investment decisions on their own terms. Anchor Angels does not pool capital, make investment recommendations, or invest as an entity.
What We Look For
Screening Criteria
Every application is evaluated against these criteria by our screening committee.
Vanderbilt Connection
RequiredFounder, team member, or advisor with Vanderbilt ties
Stage Fit
HighPre-seed to Series A — angel-appropriate stage
Investment Readiness
HighClear ask, materials prepared, terms defined
Market Opportunity
Addressable market size and growth potential
Team Quality
Relevant experience, commitment, coachability
Traction
Evidence of product-market fit or meaningful progress
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you invest, build, or learn — there's a place for you in the Vanderbilt network.