LAS VEGAS (Feb. 9, 2026) – Nevada-based nonprofit StartUpNV recently launched its 2026 AngelNV investor education program, designed to introduce new angel investors to early-stage investing while connecting them with high-potential Nevada startups.
In its 6th 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 will culminate in a live, “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition on April 11, where selected Nevada startups will compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars in early-stage investment and state-matched funding.
Both new and experienced angel investors can still join this year’s AngelNV program. More information is available at www.angelnv.com.
“StartUpNV and its AngelNV program has led the way for growing the investor network in Nevada and educating entrepreneurs on building their companies, all helping to make Nevada a burgeoning hub for startups,” said Jeff Saling, executive director of StartUpNV. “We connect eager founders to life-changing venture capital, and remove barriers for new investors, all benefiting the state’s startup ecosystem.”
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 increased by 47% and the amount invested rose by 60% during the 2024-2025 program cohort, which was the first time AngelNV benefited from the new law. AngelNV organizers believe similar success and growth will be seen this year 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/.
