Opening the door for Emory Innovation.
Becoming a Dooley’s Angels Member, gives you access to exclusive networking events, early-stage venture opportunities, and the chance to invest directly in QSUs through independently formed special purpose vehicles.
Why Join Dooley’s Angels?
Dooley’s Angels is more than a network - it’s a movement. By connecting promising ventures with experienced investors and mentors, the program creates a dynamic platform for collaboration, learning, and real-world impact.
Whether you’re an investor looking to make a difference, an alum eager to stay connected, or a student ready to dive into the venture worlds - Dooley’s Angels offers a place for you to grow, give back, and get inspired.
Support Emory-born innovation and help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs
Connect with a curated network of investors, founders, and thought leaders
Gain early access to promising start-ups and investment opportunities
Engage in experiential learning that bridges academia and real-world impact
Strengthen the Emory community through mentorship, collaboration, and shared success
Our memberships and who can join
Investor Member
Annual dues: $1,250
Open to any interested accredited investor (regardless of emory-affiliation)
Benefits include:
✓ Access to vetted Emory-affiliated investment opportunities
✓ Networking events with fellow investors
✓ Educational workshops and seminars
✓ Collaborative due diligence processes
✓ Quarterly investment meetings
Apprentice Member
Annual dues: $250
For aspiring angel investors on track to accreditation
Must be Emory University alumni
Benefits include:
✓ Networking events with fellow investors
✓ Educational workshops and seminars
✓ Collaborative due diligence processes
✓ Quarterly investment meetings
Fresh Graduate - Apprentice Member
To celebrate the launch of Dooley’s Angels, we are happy to offer a FREE year of membership to fresh Emory Grads
Must have graduated within the past year
Full Apprentice Member benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
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Investor Members can invest in startups, vote on deals, join committees, and access all network resources.
Apprentice Members get access to educational workshops, networking events, and insight into the due diligence and deal-flow process — but do not contribute capital or invest. It’s designed for those preparing to become accredited or building their investing experience.
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Q: What kinds of startups does Dooley’s Angels target?
A: We focus on pre-seed and seed-stage companies that satisfy certain criteria:
Founders’ team is ideally 2–3 people.
At least one founder (i.e. at least one-third of founding team) is affiliated with Emory (student, faculty, staff, or alumni). Active involvement of the Emory-affiliated founder is required (evaluated case-by-case).
The company has developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
There is evidence of traction or validation — e.g., an active or completed pilot program (whether paid or unpaid).
Q: What types of investment instruments do you use?
A: We primarily use early-stage finance instruments, such as:
Convertible preferred stock
SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) notes
Convertible notes
This flexibility helps support early-stage companies at a stage when valuations may be low or uncertain.
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Q: How do we source investment opportunities?
A: Opportunities are sourced from within the Emory ecosystem — including student founders, faculty spin-outs, staff-initiated ventures, and alumni-led startups.
Q: What does the screening and due diligence process look like?
A:
Initial Screening - Carried out by students from the Goizueta Business School under supervision of Business School staff.
Review by Investor Members - Network members review due diligence, financials, business model, team, traction, and Emory affiliation.
Pitch Event - Qualified companies pitch at our quarterly network meeting.
Member Voting & Commitment - Investor Members signal interest; if sufficient interest, we move to pooled investment.
Q: How are investments made?
A: When a deal is approved:
We form a single-purpose vehicle (SPV) dedicated to that startup.
Members who commit capital pool resources into that SPV.
One Investor Member acts as Managing Member, which means:
They handle SPV administration and legal paperwork.
In return, they receive a 10% profits interest (carry) in addition to their prorata investment return.
Q: What is the typical investment size?
A: Each startup deal targets approximately $100,000 total, pooled from interested Investor Members. Individual member investments can vary, depending on how many investors participate.
Q: Are there fees or profit-sharing beyond the SPV structure?
A: Yes. The SPV pays a success fee to the Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & 4 Dooley’s Angels FAQs – 2025 December Innovation (CEI) to support hands-on experiential learning for students working on due diligence and deal support. That fee is typically 10% of the profits generated by the SPV (after return of capital).
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Q: What are the benefits of being an Investor Member?
A: Investor Members enjoy:
Access to carefully vetted, high-potential Emory-affiliated startups.
Participation in pooled early-stage investments.
Collaborative due diligence with fellow members.
Invitation to quarterly pitch events.
Opportunities to serve as Managing Member (carry potential).
Networking with other alumni investors and Emory community leaders.
Educational workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities.
Q: What about Apprentice Members — what do they get?
A: Apprentice Members receive:
Access to educational workshops and seminars on angel investing, startup evaluation, deal structuring, etc.
Invitation to networking events with Investor Members and founders.
The chance to observe due diligence and deal processes, building knowledge before becoming investors.
Q: Do members get access to detailed investment documents and pipeline info?
A: Yes — members (Investor and Apprentice) will receive access to a private member portal that includes:
A member directory
Deal pipeline and investment flow
Due diligence materials (for approved deals)
Event calendar and announcements
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Q: How can I join Dooley’s Angels?
A: Interested candidates should complete our online membership application form — whether you’re applying as an Investor Member or Apprentice Member. Once reviewed, we’ll follow up with next steps.
Q: Is there a code of conduct or governing principles?
A: Yes. All members are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct and community standards. This helps ensure integrity, professionalism, and respect within our network.
Q: What about legal documents and disclosures?
A: Upon acceptance, Investor Members will receive governing documents for SPVs, investor agreements, and disclosure materials. We encourage review (and legal or financial advice if desired) prior to committing capital.
Q: How often does the network deploy capital / make investments?
A: We host quarterly pitch events. Investment activity depends on the number and quality of approved startups. Some quarters may feature multiple deals; others may yield none. Our goal is quality over quantity — ensuring each SPV has high potential and strong due diligence.
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Q: How will my initial dues work?
A: Full first year amount due upon joining. Everyone will have a April 1st renewal anniversary (with the first one being 4/1/2027, even if they join before 4/1/2026). Second year amount will be pro-rated based on date of payment of first year's dues. Year three and subsequent dues are full amount as then set by the board
Q: Who runs Dooley’s Angels and ensures compliance?
A: The network is member-governed. Due diligence is led by students of Goizueta Business School under faculty supervision, and final investment decisions rest with the Investor Members. The Managing Member of each SPV administers the investment. The structure helps maintain transparency and member oversight.
Q: What fees or profit-sharing should I expect?
A: In addition to the annual membership dues:
Each SPV awards a 10% profits interest (carry) to its Managing Member.
A success fee — typically 10% of profits — is payable to the Goizueta CEI to support ongoing student engagement and program expenses.
These terms are disclosed (and agreed) upfront, before any investment is made.
Q: What is the level of risk?
A: As with all early-stage investments, there is significant risk, including loss of capital, dilution, long time horizons, and uncertainty. Investors should be prepared for a high-risk / high-reward profile and should only invest amounts they can afford to lose
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Q: Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
A: Please reach out to our team at entrepreneurship@emory.edu.
Q: Where can I find the membership application and relevant documents?
A:
Membership & Legal Documents (for members)
Member Portal (for members)
(Note: Links and portal access are provided upon acceptance as a member.)
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Q: Can non-Emory alumni join as Investor Members?
A: Yes. We welcome accredited investors beyond the Emory alumni base, especially those passionate about supporting the Emory community and its entrepreneurs. However, Apprentice Membership is limited to Emory alumni.
Q: If I’m an aspiring investor but not yet accredited, can I still participate in deals through a mentor or syndicate?
A: Not through Dooley’s Angels directly. As an Apprentice Member, you are not eligible to participate financially. If you become accredited, you may apply to convert to Investor Member status.
Q: Does Dooley’s Angels invest in non-Emory-affiliated companies?
A: No. Our mandate is to support companies — at pre-seed or seed stage — that are founded by individuals with a direct Emory affiliation (students, faculty, staff, or alumni). This ensures that our capital and support stay within the Emory ecosystem.
Q: What happens if a startup fails or doesn’t generate returns?
A: As with all early-stage investing, downside risk is real. If a portfolio company fails, the SPV may lose part or all of the invested capital. Investors share in that downside according to their pro-rata share. There is no guarantee of returns.
Q: Does Dooley’s Angels offer tax advice or guarantee any tax benefits?
A: No. We are not tax advisors. Investors should consult their own financial or tax advisors regarding any potential tax treatment (e.g., for SPV investment, long-term capital gains, etc.).