Description
Plains Angels is a member-driven angel investor group and early-stage capital network based in Des Moines, Iowa, that connects accredited investors with high-growth startups across the Midwest. Established in 2012, it serves as a collaborative forum where investors share deal flow, co-invest, and participate in company evaluations that support regional innovation.
Pre-Seed / Seed: Focus on early-stage companies with a minimum viable product and early customer engagement; ideal for startups seeking capital to scale beyond friends-and-family rounds.
Series A: Plains Angels itself does not typically lead Series A rounds, though individual members or syndicates may participate in follow-on financing alongside later investors.
Submission Method: Founders fill out an application form on the Plains Angels website to enter the deal pipeline.
Pitch Selection: Startups reviewed by members; presentations are scheduled monthly for selected applicants (typically on second Mondays).
Presentation Format: Companies deliver a ~15-minute pitch followed by Q&A before the member group.
Eligibility
Sector Focus: Invests across a broad range of industries, including technology, FinTech, InsurTech, manufacturing, agtech, and scalable tech ventures; historically has included medical, IT, and business services as part of its portfolio.
Product Stage: Companies should have an MVP in the hands of real customers; idea-only startups or mature revenue enterprises (>$1M) may not align with the typical angel profile.
Geography: Prioritizes Midwest startups (especially Iowa), but accepts companies from broader U.S. regions that fit member interests.
Team: Founders with relevant execution experience and commitment to growth are preferred (standard for angel groups like Plains Angels).
Process
Initial Intake & Screening: Applications are reviewed for fit with investment profile and regional relevance.
Member Presentation: Shortlisted founders present to Plains Angels investors at monthly meetings.
Due Diligence: If interest is expressed, a subgroup of investors conducts deeper due diligence (team, traction, market, financials).
Deal Structuring & Close: Interested members negotiate deal-by-deal investment terms with founders.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Strategic Capital: Access to funding from a network of accredited angel investors for pre-seed/seed growth.
Mentorship & Network: Exposure to experienced investors in the Midwest startup ecosystem and co-investment opportunities with regional partners.
Investor Forum: Structured monthly meetings where startups can present to a live group of angel members.
Follow-on Support: Continued introductions to regional investor groups, co-investors, and ecosystem resources through partnerships.
