Central Illinois Angels

What is Central Illinois Angels?

Central Illinois Angels, Inc. (CIA) is a not-for-profit angel network established with the purpose of facilitating the connection between entrepreneurs and potential investors. Comprising individual angel investors, CIA primarily targets financing opportunities in privately held companies or ventures, especially those in the startup phase, with high prospects for growth and success.

The group is actively engaged in examining investment prospects across various areas and industries, fostering a diverse portfolio and support for innovation.

With a keen interest in mentorship, CIA members are expected to bring more than just financial support to the table; they are encouraged to be investment champions by lending their expertise, experience, and guidance to the companies they invest in, as well as to the investment group itself.

Established in late 2009, Central Illinois Angels is a consortium of business leaders and professionals in Central Illinois who are committed to driving regional economic growth through strategic investments. Since its inception, the members have collectively invested over $13 million in portfolio companies, highlighting their active and substantial role in fueling startup successes.

Central Illinois Angels emphasizes the importance of selecting companies that not just require funding, but also demonstrate a strong management team with relevant experience, a well-considered exit strategy for investors, openness to advice and coaching from the investing members, and a valuation that aligns with their risk/reward expectations.

This comprehensive approach ensures that the investments made by CIA are strategically placed to generate significant returns for both the investors and the entrepreneurial ventures they support.