What Does it Take to Fund a Startup?

Part of the Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Flyer Angels is a seven-figure private equity fund that invests in high-tech startups. It is one of only a handful of programs nationwide that allows undergraduates to make angel investments.

The Flyer Angels program was started after a generous contribution by alumnus Ron McDaniel.


What We Do

Our team deploys $25,000-$50,000 checks to promising companies that align with our values and mission. In addition to investment, we aim to build relationships with our portfolio companies to provide student support, VC connections and networking opportunities.

Flyer Angels invests in nascent (typically pre-revenue) ventures, considered to be knowledge-intensive/high tech, and either based in Ohio or otherwise has a connection to UD (e.g. alumni). They may invest in either seed rounds, "A" rounds, or may also make follow-on investments.

Student analysts handle deals through every step of the investment process: screening pitches, conducting due diligence and analyzing investment opportunities. The team works directly with founders, alongside other investors, to complete diligence reports concerning companies of interest. If the team decides to move forward with an investment, an investment memo is drafted and the investment is presented to the Investment Review Committee for review.

What We Look For

While we invest across a variety of industries, these factors help to provide direction for our investments.

  • Innovative Technical Leadership: Visionary founders with strong technical expertise who lead with creativity and strategic insight.
  • Disruptive Technology: Groundbreaking technologies that challenge the status quo, transform industries, drive significant change, and redefine the future.
  • Purposeful Vision: Clear, mission-driven vision that goes beyond profit, creating meaningful impact and lasting change across industry and community.

How to Get Involved

For Companies

Companies interested in funding are invited to pitch to us. Simply complete the Flyer Angels Pitch Interest Form to provide us with key information about your startup and its vision.

For Students

Current students interested in entrepreneurship and venture capital investing are invited to join Flyer Angels. It is a great way to get involved with the venture ecosystem while also getting hands-on investing experience.

Selection to Flyer Angels is competitive, and recruitment typically takes place during the spring semester. Interested students should contact Flyer Angels to learn more.


Experiential Learning
03.22.2024

Flyer Angels Find New Wings link-arrow link-arrow

A pandemic-induced lull in investing grounded UD’s Flyer Angels. That was until Isabella Abreu and Missy Oei stepped in as managing directors last year. Now the pair are reinvesting in the group, helping it take off.


Contact L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
31 S. Main St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402
937-229-3127 email