For startups
Each application is reviewed through our competitive screening process, and if deemed a fit, will be placed in front of our network of members with capital ready to deploy.
76
portfolio companies
23
recorded exits
4-8
startups funded per year
The strongest founders understand the underlying pain, know which assumptions matter, and can distinguish the real problem from its symptoms.
We want founders who can describe with unusual clarity what changes for the customer when the solution works, and why that change creates meaningful value.
Products evolve. Strategies change. Markets move. We look for founders whose commitment to the underlying problem remains durable through those changes.
Evidence that problem exists at scale, and there is a market that will pay to solve it.
Customers, revenue, a signed pilot, or hard technical de-risking.
Our members mentor the companies they back, so we want teams seeking that council.
Know what this round buys and proves, with a realistic fund-use and follow-on plan.
Life Sciences
Medical Devices
Enterprise Software
AgTech
Hard Tech
Energy
AI
01
You'll need a Venture360 account and a pitch deck. Complete the full application. Save and return any time.
02
We triage for fit, stage, and readiness. Complete applications are prioritized. You'll receive a response within two weeks.
03
Meet the screening committee. A select number will present to the full network. Expect a 30 min pitch, plus Q&A.
04
With enough member interest we open diligence, led by members with domain expertise, to finalize funding decisions.
05
We hold pitches to collect final information, then make funding allocation decisions.
Not selected the first time? We give feedback and encouragement anyway, and you're welcome back once the company has progressed.
Our members are former founders and operators who mentor the founders they invest in. We harness their shared experience and judgement to develop each of our portfolio companies.
Technology & business plan evaluation
Strategic planning
Marketing support
Monthly office hours
Financial controls & reporting
Interim executive management
Key management interviews
Critical vendor selection
Business continuity planning
Monthly screening meetings
We look at early-stage startups with high growth potential in these industries: advanced materials, energy industry hardware, life sciences, SaaS, IoT technology, and supply chain. Please visit our Portfolio Company page to see current investments.
While our primary focus is Indiana and the Midwest, we consider startups from across the country that meet our criteria.
VisionTech actively seeks early stage/early growth companies with high potential. Invitations to pitch to our investors are extended to roughly 16 companies per year that have gone through our rigorous screen process. If you would like to start the process, we encourage you to submit your business plan.
The VisionTech screening committee uses the following criteria when evaluating which companies to invite to pitch to our angel investing network:
Each year, VisionTech’s Screening Committee reviews more than 400 startups that would like to pitch to our angel investing network. After a rigorous screening process, roughly 16 are invited to pitch. Don’t let the rigor of our process keep you from applying. If you are not selected the first time you apply, we offer positive feedback and you can come back to our screening committee when your company has progressed and apply again. This is the path one of our portfolio companies, PhotoniCare, took and they are now doing very well.
VisionTech hosts five bi-monthly pitch events each year, starting in February.
Companies invited to pitch to VisionTech’s angel investing network are expected to participate in two pitch events, one in-person event in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a second live online event the same week. CEOs are given roughly 30 minutes for their presentation, supported by a pitch deck, followed by Q&A from our investors. We conduct our virtual events using Zoom and the process is simple and seamless.
Many but not all pitch companies secure an investment from VisionTech Angels. Immediately following the pitch events, our members complete surveys to determine if there is enough interest in investing to move to the next step, due diligence. Keep in mind, each individual investor decides if he or she will invest and how much to invest. Typically, we must have a minimum weighted interest of $100,000 to proceed to due diligence. The total amount invested can range from $150,000 to $500,000 based on investor interest.
Yes. We often invest with other angel investing groups from across the country as well as state entities like Elevate Ventures. You can find details on our common co-investing partners here.
Yes. It is not uncommon to do follow-on investments in our portfolio companies as they scale.
Submit your application through Venture360. Email submissions will not be reviewed for investment.
Company & contact info
Company profile
Market & industry overview
Executive & team bios
Financial summary & forecast
Elevator pitch via file or webcam