We're interested in teams re-imagining cities in 3 areas - GHG reduction, climate adaptation and solving problems associated with high density (like traffic or public safety).
Cities are complex, so founders continue inspire and amaze us by identifying new systemic issues and solutions. If you're re-imagining city life, we'd love to hear from you.
Not Interested In
We don't invest in edtech or healthtech. Certainly not a vote on whether we want to see these categories succeed, we just think they need additional focus/skills which we don't have. That said public health is a growing area of interesting.
Shaun Abrahamson is a Founder and serves as Managing Partner at Urban Us. Shaun is a Member of the Investment Committee, and he leads investment selection and communications with portfolio companies, members of the Network, and limited partners in Fund II. Before founding Fund I, Shaun was an active angel investor, investing in more than 20 firms between 2007 and 2013 in his personal capacity. Early-stage investing and advising is informed by his experiences building MediaSentry (acquired by SafeNet in 2005), Starmedia Network (acquired by France Telecom) and Oculus Technologies (MIT CADLab spin-out). In 1999, he was an early employee at govWorks, one of the earliest startups focused on serving local government. govWorks was ahead of the market and failed during the dot-com bust, becoming the subject of the documentary Startup.com in 2001. Shaun has written for organizations such as The Economist Intelligence Unit, The Huffington Post, and CNNMoney. Crowdstorm, published by Wiley, was his first book and is a guide to working with large online crowds to find and evaluate ideas. The book is based on Shaun's experience working with Starbucks, Omnicom Group, $300 House, and Life Edited. Shaun has an MSc from MIT; an MBA from the Berlin School of Creative Leadership; and a BSc from the University of Cape Town. He is also an Angel Investor.
How to connect with Angel Investors in the DeepTech industry?
In the DeepTech industry, angel investors such as Steve Jurvetson, Vinod Khosla, and Esther Dyson are prominent figures. These investors focus on startups offering groundbreaking technological innovations in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced materials. Steve Jurvetson, co-founder of Future Ventures, invests in DeepTech startups that push the boundaries of science and technology. Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, looks for companies that leverage cutting-edge technology to create disruptive solutions. Esther Dyson, an entrepreneur and investor, seeks out startups with strong scientific foundations and significant impact potential. To connect with these investors, attend DeepTech conferences, tech expos, and networking events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, and DeepTech Summit. Utilize platforms like AngelList and LinkedIn to identify and reach out to potential investors. When pitching, emphasize how your DeepTech solution addresses key challenges, such as advancing scientific research, enhancing technology capabilities, or solving complex problems. Highlight any traction you’ve gained, such as partnerships with research institutions, successful pilot projects, or positive feedback from experts. Building relationships through initial informal meetings or discussions at industry panels can help establish trust with these investors. Demonstrating the impact of your technology through case studies or pilot programs can also add credibility. Personalize your outreach by referencing the investor’s previous investments and explaining how your venture aligns with their interests. Demonstrating a sustainable business model with clear revenue streams, such as licensing, product sales, or research grants, will further strengthen your pitch. Leveraging endorsements or case studies from scientific experts can also enhance your credibility.
Case Studies: Successful Funding Rounds with Angel Investors on Angels Partners
Exotic Orange & Angels Partners: Turning Financial Simplicity Into Investment Success
