Startups Seeking Investment

 

For Startups Seeking Investment

  • Applications open February 2, 2026 and close March 5, 2026
  • Celebration with investors on March 6, 2026

Why apply to the SDSU 2026 San Diego Angel Conference?

This is your opportunity to get your startup in front of early-stage investors with the possibility of receiving an investment in your company.

The SDSU 2026 San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC) connects fundable startups with accredited early-stage investors. Over 12 weeks, investors evaluate applications, selecting finalists. The finalists will be showcased at the SDSU 2026 San Diego Angel Conference on May 29, 2026, at SDSU. Investors will make a $200,000 investment* in at least one company.

Any U.S. company can apply to the SDSU 2026 San Diego Angel Conference. The application process** is straightforward, and the screening and due diligence processes are designed to be transparent, efficient, and constructive for both entrepreneurs and investors.

*Actual amount invested depends on the total dollars raised. Historically, investors have exceeded both the investment amount and number of companies funded.

**Gust is an online platform for startups and investors. SDSU 2026 SDAC uses Gust to securely and privately collect your company information, deck, and coordinate due diligence information. Entrepreneurs must upload the deck and other information into Gust.


Nonrefundable Application Fee — $49

The application fee covers the processing cost of the application and a ticket to the final event. The application fee is nonrefundable.

All applicants can expect:

  • Investors to review their application, deck, and video
  • A debrief if/when eliminated

Apply (Opening February 2nd)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We welcome previous applicants to apply again unless we have previously invested in your company.

Historically, SDAC Fund investments have been primarily convertible notes, but we are open to equity investments. The type of investment and the terms are negotiated between each of the finalists with the Fund Manager in the days before the conference. The goal is to get to a set of terms that are fair and mutually beneficial to the companies and the investors.

It is always good to discuss these kinds of issues with appropriate legal counsel, which you should do for a more definitive answer. Generally, this question applies narrowly to companies that are basing their IP strategy on patents, and that have not filed a provision yet.

Events
(*for companies selected to move forward in the process)

3/31/2026

Top 25: 3-Minute Pitches

5pm-7:30pm

4/1/2026

Top 25: 3-Minute Pitches

5pm-7:30pm

4/14/2026

Top 12: 10-Minute Pitches

5pm-7:30pm

4/15/2026

Top 12: 10-Minute Pitches

5pm-7:30pm

4/28/2026

Due Diligence with Dinner (Top 6)

5pm-7:30pm

*All dates are subject to change

  • SDSU hosts a SDSU 2026 SDAC community finale on May 29, 2026 to showcase the top startups 

2026 SDAC timeline

Program Timeline

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