IrishAngels Makes Its First Investment in Chicago-based RIVS

CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- IrishAngels, an angel investor group focused on financing the most promising University of Notre Dame affiliated ventures, today announced its inaugural investment in Chicago-based RIVS. The investor group led the $2 million Series A round and Michael Stanley, Director and Executive Committee Member at IrishAngels will join RIVS' Board of Directors.

"The Notre Dame network continues to produce some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs and we have been pleased with the strong group of promising start ups in our deal flow. We are actively monitoring and evaluating dozens of companies in a range of sectors each quarter and are on course to make several investments over the next 12 months," stated Gary Gigot, a veteran technology investor, founder of the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Notre Dame and Chairman of the Board at IrishAngels.

IrishAngels seeks to invest seed and Series A capital in high potential start-ups across a number of sectors, including internet and mobile, scientific and medical, social enterprise, software, and special markets which includes retail, products, and manufacturing. The group focuses on start-ups in which a founder, a Board member, or an investor in the company is a Notre Dame graduate, parent of a graduate, student, or faculty member at the University. Companies should have a management team with relevant experience, a completed product or service, and a thoughtfully constructed growth strategy. IrishAngels leverages its 75 members and the broader Notre Dame network to source deals, conduct due diligence and provide ongoing support to portfolio companies.

"RIVS epitomizes the type of companies our group looks to finance. They have a unique software platform that delivers a significant service to human resources professionals and a talented management team with a proven track record of building successful companies. We are excited to help support their growth in the marketplace," commented Brian Gallagher, Co-Chair of the Executive Committee of IrishAngels and Co-Founder of Twin Bridge Capital Partners.

RIVS' web based software program helps HR professionals quickly identify core strengths and weaknesses of potential candidates through online written, voice, and video interviews. The company's growing client list consists of a mix of mature and growing businesses including Farmers Insurance Group, Maui Jim and SolarCity.

"As a four-time technology entrepreneur I understand the importance of finding the right partners to help grow my business. IrishAngels provides us additional financial strength but also an expansive network of seasoned and accomplished investors who know how to build successful companies. Their experience, industry expertise and contacts will be invaluable as we take RIVS to the next level," said David Wieland,Founder and CEO of RIVS.

Individuals interested in joining IrishAngels or who have a promising start-up that meets the group's criteria, please contact us.

About IrishAngels:
IrishAngels is an angel investor group dedicated to furthering startup growth in five core sectors: internet and mobile, scientific and medical, social enterprise, software, and special markets. The group targets seed and early stage investments in the most promising University of Notre Dame affiliated ventures. IrishAngels is comprised of over 75 investors including some of nation's leading venture capital and private equity professionals as well as seasoned entrepreneurs. For more information, visit http://irishangels.com/.   

Media Contact:
Kellie Walsh
KWM Communications
914-315-6072
[email protected]

SOURCE IrishAngels