Alumni Investor Network

A trusted space for HBCU-affiliated investors, operators, and emerging angels to connect, learn, and shape early-stage opportunity.

Join the Network

Why This Network Matters

Early-stage capital moves where there is trust, insight, and connection. The Alumni Investor Network exists to create a trusted gravitational space where accredited HBCU alumni and aligned professionals can engage with one another—and with emerging founders—in ways that strengthen the flow of opportunity, expertise, and capital.

Members include experienced angels, investors who allocate capital through their firms, and professionals who are ready to begin investing in high-growth startups. Some bring years of investment experience. Others are taking their first steps into angel investing with curiosity, clarity, and a desire for a thoughtful and trusted entry point.

What unites them is a shared interest in supporting high-potential founders and expanding the pathways through which capital and opportunity move.

By bringing these leaders together—those investing today and those preparing to invest tomorrow—we enhance the exchange of insight, deepen trusted relationships, and contribute to a stronger early-stage ecosystem where investors, founders, and institutions are better connected and better positioned to grow.

Member Benefits

  • Private Quarterly Investor Briefings

    Exclusive conversations featuring market insights, emerging founder perspectives, sector trends, and discussions with investors and operators across the HBCUvc ecosystem.

  • Access to Capital Initiatives

    Learn about investor pathways, angel activation opportunities, future SPV or fund models, and ways to engage with founders at the earliest stages.

  • Optional Investor Directory Inclusion

    Choose to be privately listed for internal ecosystem connections or publicly listed to be recognized as part of a growing national network of HBCU-affiliated investors.

  • A Trusted Network of Peers

    Build relationships with professionals who share your interest in early-stage markets, responsible investing, and expanding opportunities for high-potential founders.

The Investor Commitment 

Members of the Alumni Investor Network share a simple, professional commitment to responsible early-stage investing and to strengthening opportunities connected to the HBCU innovation ecosystem.

By joining the network, members agree to:

  • Engage as an active investor or capital contributor, whether by investing personally, recommending opportunities, or supporting founders through diligence or expertise.

  • Invest in at least one early-stage Black-founded venture each year (with no required check size).

  • Contribute to deal visibility by sharing strong investment opportunities or companies they are personally backing.

  • Maintain public alignment with the network, such as adding “Angel Investor at HBCUvc” on LinkedIn, helping increase visibility for founders and signal participation in a trusted investor community.

  • Report back on investments made, so we can understand collective trends, impact, and capital movement within the ecosystem.

  • Participate in the community as time allows, through diligence calls, investor briefings, founder events, or by referring new members who align with our values.

There are no fees to join. Membership is reviewed annually based on active participation and alignment with the commitments above.

Who It’s For

Participation in the Alumni Investor Network is open to individuals who meet the SEC definition of an accredited investor, including many professionals who may not use this term yet but qualify based on their income, net worth, or investment experience.

Under SEC guidelines, an accredited investor typically includes:

  • Individuals with annual income over $200,000 (or $300,000 jointly with a spouse)

  • Individuals with a net worth of $1 million or more, excluding a primary residence

  • Holders of certain FINRA licenses (Series 7, 65, or 82)

  • Individuals who qualify through their professional investing roles

If this describes you — even if you’ve never called yourself an “accredited investor” before — you likely qualify.

The network welcomes:

  • Accredited investors, whether investing personally or through a firm

  • Professionals new to angel investing who want a trusted place to begin

  • Operators, executives, and founders seeking to support early-stage companies through insight or capital

  • HBCU alumni as well as non-HBCU investors aligned with the network’s values and goals

Join the Alumni Investor Network

Share a few details about your investing experience, interests, and background. This helps us understand how to connect you with the right opportunities, insights, and peers. Your information is confidential and used only to support the growth, alignment, and engagement of the investor community. Joining begins with a short information form. This is not an application. Once submitted, a member of the HBCUvc team will follow up with the next steps and additional details about participation.

*You’re likely an accredited investor if you’ve made over $200K/year (or $300K with a partner) for the past two years, or have $1M+ in assets (excluding your home).