Operated by StartUpNV, a nonprofit incubator and accelerator for Nevada-based startup companies, AngelNV held its Shark Tank-style finale this past Saturday, April 11, and the 68 investors ultimately invested $400,000 in three Las Vegas-based startups.
The grand prize investment of $200,000 went to Regara, an Asian American owned startup that created an AI-native operating system for medical regulatory execution that reduces approval timelines, lowers regulatory spend, and increases speed to market.
The first runner-up receiving $100,000 was RevReply, a minority owned company that created a sales automation platform that responds to sales leads automatically within 2 minutes across email, social media, and messaging services. A third $100,000 investment was made in Amplibotics, a data company that is compiling data on movements of robots to create datasets that can incorporate fine motor skills training of robots.
All AngelNV investments are matched 1:1 by the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) for a total investment of $800,000 between the three companies.
In its 7th year, AngelNV is a structured, 13-week program focused on hands-on investor education, real startup evaluation, and collaborative decision-making. The initiative supports Nevada’s economic diversification and job creation efforts and culminates in a live, “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition.
This year, more than 160 entrepreneurs sought to be considered for a capital investment to grow their business. Those with a scalable business that had generated some sales or were within one month of launching for sales were reviewed by AngelNV investors and the group was trimmed to six finalists with Regara, RevReply, and Amplibotics ultimately receiving investments.
“StartUpNV and its AngelNV program has led the way for growing the investor network in Nevada and educating entrepreneurs on building their companies,” said Jeff Saling, executive director of StartUpNV. “We connect eager founders to life-changing venture capital and remove barriers for new investors, all helping to make Nevada a burgeoning hub for startups.”
Saling noted that the first in the nation “Nevada Certified Investor” (NCI) law enables more Nevadans to qualify to invest at lower minimum levels. As a result, the number of AngelNV investors has increased by nearly 50 percent and the amount invested rose dramatically as well.
“Angel investing is not for the ultra-rich anymore,” added Saling. “Our programs are helping to build generational wealth for investors and entrepreneurs while also diversifying our state’s economy by creating a robust startup ecosystem, which is good for everyone.”
About AngelNV
StartUpNV launched AngelNV in 2020 to create an angel investment network for Nevada-based startups and attract to the state scalable startup businesses and entrepreneurs with big ideas to build a more diversified and resilient economy. Now offering its sixth session of bootcamps, AngelNV is building a bridge between entrepreneurs and angel investors by educating startups on raising capital and teaching accredited investors how to invest wisely in startups. For more information visit: www.angelnv.com.
About StartUpNV
StartUpNV is a 501(c)3 non-profit statewide accelerator and business incubator for scalable Nevada-based startups that provides expert mentorship and access to a network of capital partners. StartUpNV’s founders, mentors, university connections, investors, and business partners work together to grow and support a robust, inclusive startup ecosystem in Nevada. StartUpNV’s related venture funds, FundNV, AngelNV, and the new 1864 seed fund, provide startups access to local venture capital along with education for entrepreneurs and angel investors. Since inception in 2017, StartUpNV has heard pitches from more than 1,500 startups, held more than 400 education events, and seen nearly $100 million in venture capital raised for more than 75 companies. For information visit: https://startupnv.org/.
