757 Angels, a network of accredited investors, has significantly contributed to business growth and job creation, investing $82 million across various enterprises since its inception in 2015. This investment has led to the creation of over 1,000 jobs, and despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, 757 Angels invested $8 million in 11 companies in the past year alone. Notably, this group has demonstrated a commitment to diversity, with 42% of the leadership teams of funded companies including people of color, 13% including veterans, and 79% including women. In addition to these accomplishments, 757 Angels is also a key part of 757 Collab, an initiative that coordinates resources for startups and was recently awarded significant grant funding.

Investment Impact

$82 million — That’s the total amount 757 Angels have invested so far to grow businesses, according to the group’s latest impact report.

Job Creation

That investment in business capital has fueled the creation of more than 1,000 jobs since the formation of the regional network in 2015, according to the report. Over the past year, the 757 Angels reported investing $8 million in 11 companies despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Investor Growth

757 Angels is now comprised of 149 accredited investors from various business sectors and backgrounds. That’s 26 more members than a year ago.

Investment Statistics

The largest check size written so far has been $2.5 million with $120,000 being the average check size among 429 checks, according to the report.

Diversity in Leadership

The Hampton Roads group has been able to attract a diverse applicant pool. That’s led to diverse leadership of the 37 companies that have received 757 Angels funding with 42% of the leadership teams including people of color, 13% including veterans and 79% including women, according to the report.

Collaborative Efforts

757 Angels is part of 757 Collab, which manages and coordinates the resources of the angels, the nonprofit 757 Accelerate program and the 757 Startup Studios workspace in the Assembly campus at 400 Granby St. in downtown Norfolk. 757 Collab was recently awarded $2.4 million in GO Virginia grant funding matched by $1.6 million from a group of sponsors including: TowneBank, Ferguson, Cox, Activation Capital, Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium, Naval-X Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge, Old Dominion University, Christopher Newport University, Eastern Virginia Medical School and the cities of Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News.

— Tara Bozick, staff

Question & Answer

What is the total amount 757 Angels have invested in growing businesses?

$82 million is the total amount 757 Angels have invested in growing businesses, according to their latest impact report.

How many jobs have been created as a result of 757 Angels’ investments?

More than 1,000 jobs have been created as a result of 757 Angels’ investments since the formation of the regional network in 2015.

How many accredited investors are currently part of 757 Angels?

757 Angels is now comprised of 149 accredited investors from various business sectors and backgrounds, which is 26 more members than a year ago.

What is the largest check size written by 757 Angels so far?

The largest check size written by 757 Angels so far has been $2.5 million, with an average check size of $120,000 among 429 checks, according to the report.

What is the percentage of diversity in the leadership teams of funded companies by 757 Angels?

42% of the leadership teams of funded companies by 757 Angels include people of color, 13% include veterans, and 79% include women, showcasing a commitment to diversity.