Description
Rose Tech Angels / Rose Tech Ventures (often referenced as Rose Tech Ventures — the angel/seed investment activity led by David S. Rose in New York, NY, USA) is an early-stage angel investment vehicle focused on backing high-growth technology startups before institutional capital, typically at seed-stage levels and led by seasoned angel investors including serial investor David S. Rose (founder of New York Angels and Gust).
Pre-Seed / Seed: Primary focus — invests in very early stage companies that have some traction but no prior institutional round.
Series A: Occasionally participates in follow-on syndication alongside later investors, but core activity remains at seed/pre-seed.
Typical Check Size: Around $25,000 – $250,000 per company (with some variation based on deal and co-investors).
Valuation Focus: Often targets companies with pre-money valuations roughly $500K – $10M at the early seed stage.
• Rose Tech Angels does not publicly disclose a fixed target equity % for every deal it does (angel/seed groups generally negotiate per round). What founders should expect in this context:
- Angel and early institutional seed investors typically negotiate minority equity stakes reflective of the check size relative to valuation and total round size. In practice, individual angel investors often hold ~1 %–10 % equity each depending on deal size and valuation, with collective dilution across all early investors often ending up ~10 %–25 % in a seed round.
- With individual checks of $25K–$250K on early valuations, this generally translates to single-digit to low-double-digit percentage equity per investor or SPV participation in the round (depending on valuation and co-investor mix).
• Equity Structure: Typical early-stage instruments such as priced equity, SAFE, or convertible notes — negotiated deal-by-deal. (Industry norm; specific Rose Tech Angels terms are not public.)
• Governance: As a minority investor group, governance terms (board/observer rights) vary by deal and investor contribution.
Submission Method: Founders are encouraged to present via Gust (the global platform used by Rose Tech Ventures) or reach out through investor networks connected to the group; direct engagement often begins with a submission of pitch materials through the platform.
Screening: Once a Gust profile/application is submitted, the group reviews for early traction, leadership strength, and fit with their sector focus.
Eligibility
Sector Focus: Technology segments with strong growth potential; leaning toward PropTech, FinTech, platform businesses, and related high-growth tech.
Geography: While based in New York, USA, portfolios have included companies across early-stage ecosystems (often U.S.-centric).
Stage: Early seed with some traction (product, early revenue or customer engagement).
Team: Founders with relevant domain expertise and ability to execute growth.
Process
Initial Intake: Review of deck, team, product, traction.
Screening Call: Early discussion with investors on fit and growth potential.
Due Diligence: Market, team, technology, and financial review.
Term Negotiation: Deal terms agreed with founders and co-investors.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Strategic Capital: Early institutional angel capital (~$25K–$250K/check).
Network & Mentorship: Access to experienced angel investors, including seasoned operators and ecosystem introductions.
Follow-On Support: Potential introduction to co-investors and later institutional rounds.
