Sudek of Tech Coast Angels Announces Network's Increased Commitment to Entrepreneurship and Innovation Through New Easy-Access Programs

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Richard Sudek, Chairman of Tech Coast Angels (TCA), the nation's largest angel investment network, today announced that a whole new 2010 program of increased entrepreneur support, communication and mentoring will be overseen by the network's newly installed Board of Governors. According to Sudek, "In today's constrained economy, entrepreneurs need easier access to viable sources of help and funding or America may lose some of its greatest potential success stories. TCA is actively putting in place forums and methods for new promising Southern California companies to get the resources and guidance they need."

Part of the network's increased outreach is the already launched and successful series of TCA Mixers. At these events, anyone interested in making contact with TCA and its members, whether a person just thinking of a business idea or an established company, is invited to attend without charge. At the first Mixer held in late 2009, TCA members expected 15 attendees and attracted over 100. The Mixers will be held bi-monthly. "These informal forums give us a chance to guide interested entrepreneurs in the types of innovation and company ideas TCA is looking for," says Sudek. "Equally important, it gives us a chance to listen to what entrepreneurs want and need."

The recently announced SeedTrack Program is another demonstration of TCA's increased entrepreneur support. This resource is set up to make seed funding and extensive mentoring available to very early stage enterprises, designed to nurture them to the point where they can receive angel and/or venture capital.

Also part of the program will be an updated TCA website to be completed during early 2010 (www.techcoastangels.com) offering simpler access to information, a new streamlined application process and enhanced resources and feedback capabilities. "We want entrepreneurs to be encouraged by the process of contacting TCA, not overwhelmed," says Sudek.

"These programs are just the start of things to come," said Sudek. "We're always aware that some of America's most innovative and successful companies such as Google and Apple were originally funded by angel investors. We take that responsibility seriously and we want all of our efforts to reflect a broad and deep commitment to entrepreneurship in Southern California." Leading these activities in each of the area networks are TCA's new Presidents: Steve Flaim, San Diego; co-network presidents of Santa Barbara, John Glanville and Jeff Kurfess; Stu Roberts of Orange County; Scott Sangster of Los Angeles; and John Tillquist of the Inland Empire.

About Tech Coast Angels

Tech Coast Angels, www.techcoastangels.com, is the largest angel investor group in the United States. Its members provide funding and guidance to more early-stage, high-growth companies in Southern California than any other investment group. TCA members invest in companies in a wide range of industries, including the life sciences, biotech, IT, services, retail, Internet, financial, software, media, consumer products and tech startups. TCA members give companies more than just capital; they also provide counsel, mentoring and access to an extensive network of potential investors, customers, strategic partners and management talent. TCA has more than 250 members, including its venture capital affiliates, in five networks in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Westlake/Santa Barbara and the Inland Empire. More information on investment with Tech Coast Angels can be found at www.techcoastangels.com, www.facebook.com/techcoastangels or www.twitter.com/techcoastangels.

SOURCE Tech Coast Angels