Queen City Angels (QCA) is a member-led angel investment group based in Cincinnati, Ohio that brings together experienced accredited investors to provide early-stage funding, mentoring, and strategic support for high-growth startups — especially in tech, life sciences, and advanced industries. It is one of the most active angel groups in the Midwest and has invested in more than 100 companies since its founding in 2000.

Pre-Seed / Seed: Active participation primarily at seed and early stages where angel capital can accelerate growth, with investments often syndicated with other angel groups.
Series A: QCA participates in bridge or early Series A financings through affiliated funds when portfolio companies demonstrate traction and require follow-on capital.

Typical Investment Size: Members collectively deploy around $250,000–$1,000,000+ in early rounds, often through affiliated First Funds and syndications with other investors.
Typical Ownership Taken: ~1%–4% equity on a deal-by-deal basis — angel groups generally take minority, non-controlling stakes that reflect their role as early co-investors (typical for angel networks). Exact published ownership targets aren’t openly disclosed publicly, but angel groups like QCA usually aim for single-digit percentages consistent with syndicate investing. (Industry norms for angel syndicates support this range.)
Upper Range (Selective): In smaller or concentrated seed deals, aggregated member participation may reach closer to ~5% total depending on valuation and round structure. (Inferred from typical angel deal practices.)

Submission Method: Founders can submit a pitch application through QCA’s online platform and may be invited to present to members; warm introductions and regional ecosystem connections (e.g., Cincinnati area partners) are valuable.
Presentation & Pitch: Early screening followed by presentation opportunities to the membership and affiliated First Funds based on fit with QCA criteria.

Sector Focus: Broad, including tech (B2B SaaS, enterprise software, IoT), life sciences, advanced materials, healthcare, and other high-growth technologies.
Geography: While headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, QCA considers companies within the Greater Cincinnati region (~150-mile radius) and beyond when aligned with member interest and syndicate participation. 
Stage: Early, scalable startups at seed; companies require significant growth potential. 
Team: Strong founder teams with execution capabilities and willingness to engage with a large angel network.

Initial Intake & Screening: Founders submit decks and business plans; screening focuses on market potential, team strength, and capital needs.
 Member Committee Review: Shortlisted companies present to groups of QCA members for evaluation.
 Member Pitch: Finalists present to the full membership at meetings; interested members conduct deeper diligence.
 Due Diligence & Deal Structuring: Interested angels perform due diligence and negotiate deal terms individually or through fund vehicles; terms are negotiated case by case. (This is standard angel group practice in the U.S.) 

Strategic Capital: Coordinated angel investment to advance product development, traction, and market entry.
 Mentorship & Networking: Access to a broad network of experienced entrepreneurs and executives who provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and introductions. 
Follow-On Support: Potential follow-on funding via affiliated First Funds and syndication partners as the company scales.