Gaingels
New York · Pre-Seed–Late Stage · 21 people tracked
Investment thesis
Gaingels invests in ventures across all sectors and stages, prioritizing support for diverse and inclusive leadership with particular emphasis on LGBTQ+-founded and led companies. The syndicate seeks to drive social change in the broader venture ecosystem by partnering with companies that embrace diversity at all levels of leadership and recognize Gaingels' value as a partner in building diverse teams, boards, and ownership structures. Investment decisions evaluate prospective companies across five separate areas, with successful investments typically scoring strongly in at least four of five criteria. The syndicate does not lead rounds but relies on strong lead institutional investors to validate and provide diligence signals, allowing the Gaingels network to co-invest alongside experienced venture partners.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 20, 2026.
Team · 21 people
from the firm's website
Finance executive with over 20 years at major institutions including Credit Suisse, Bear Stearns, and JP Morgan, where she reached Executive Director rank and managed operations across collateral management, pricing, and compliance. She has built organizations globally and implemented systems that generated substantial operational efficiencies.
Co-founder of Gaingels since 2014 and of Mathison.io. He previously founded Blue Jay Syndicate and A-Level Capital, and was co-founder of Pervasive Group Inc. Since 2016, has led investments of over $110M in 200+ companies through Gaingels.
Serial entrepreneur and investor spanning technology, art, commerce, and social impact. Co-founder and former CEO of StartOut, a non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and co-founder/CEO of The Social Edge. Previously co-founded Powerset, which exited to Microsoft in 2008, and is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer.
Tech enthusiast with a degree in Cognitive Science from Dartmouth who founded an e-commerce startup in medical supplies and began angel investing early in his career. Oversees Gaingels' Nexus business unit managing partnerships with platforms like AngelList and Republic, with focus on early-stage deals in fintech, web3, and direct-to-consumer.
Product and technology expert with 25 years in website design, user experience, and online communities. Early employee at Meetup where he led product evolution and established sustainable business models, and previously held roles at AOL, Zagat, and Food52. Joined Gaingels as managing member in early 2019.
Active angel investor and early Gaingels member holding a PhD in economic sociology. Previously led strategy at Goldman Sachs and Bridgewater Associates, and served as interim CEO of a healthcare consulting firm. Currently leads strategic initiatives driving new investment products and network growth.
Technology, media, and music executive with experience at Google, Viacom, Disney, Deezer, and 88rising. Currently Vice President at 88rising leading business development, co-founded Out in Tech Miami, and mentors music startups through Techstars. Graduate of NYU Stern with involvement in advancing diversity in venture capital.
Founder and general partner of Calm Ventures, a Los Angeles-based venture firm investing from seed to pre-IPO. Previously invested at OCV Partners, a $260M growth equity fund, and has personally invested in over 100 companies including Headspace and Coinbase.
What they invest in
from 61 of 69 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×22SaaS ×18Enterprise Software ×15Healthtech ×14Fintech ×9Data & Infrastructure ×7Climate Tech ×6Consumer ×6
HQs:United States×32Canada×2Switzerland×1Germany×1Israel×1India×1
Investments · showing 60 of 69
founders shown can be your intro pathAndi AI is an AI-powered search engine that uses proprietary indexing technology to deliver search results with fact-verified answers. It serves individual users and developers through both consumer search and API products, competing in the AI search market.
AI & Machine LearningConsumerMedia & EntertainmentSaaSSan Francisco, US
Orderful provides technology for instant electronic data interchange (EDI) connectivity between trading partners, replacing traditional one-by-one connection setups with immediate, always-current integrations for any transaction type.
Data & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS
Pirouette develops OnePush, a fully automatic hidden-needle auto-injector platform paired with drug programs across chronic and rescue care indications. The company is advancing clinical-stage programs in naloxone, epinephrine, promethazine, and methotrexate while scaling U.S. automated manufacturing and securing IP protection through 2045.
Advanced ManufacturingBiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesBoston, US
Conor Cullinane(Founder)inMatthew Kane(Founder)inElijah Kapas(Founder)in
Workstream provides technology and services for the global deskless economy, serving the 2.7 billion workers and business owners in this segment. The company aims to create opportunities and fuel growth for this underserved workforce.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkHR TechSaaS
Aalo develops advanced nuclear reactor technology aimed at producing electricity at under 3 cents per kilowatt-hour. The company serves the global energy market and is focused on enabling virtually unlimited clean power generation.
Climate TechDeep TechEnergyHardware
Matt(Co-founder)Yasir(Co-founder)Mark NefzgerinDavid Jaluvkain
Alinea is a digital wealth management platform that provides AI-assisted portfolio management and automated investing for individual investors. The platform combines expert-built portfolios with an AI copilot, human advisors, and is SEC-registered to serve retail investors building wealth.
AI & Machine LearningFintechSaaSNew York City, US
Antiva Biosciences develops a topical therapeutic for women with high-risk HPV infection and pre-cancerous cervical lesions, utilizing antiviral prodrug chemistry. The company targets an unmet clinical need where no approved therapeutic options currently exist.
BiotechFemTechHealthtechMedical Devices
Ashby is a recruiting software platform that serves as an applicant tracking system (ATS) and all-in-one hiring management tool for talent teams. The platform provides recruiting operations, candidate pipeline management, hiring workflows, analytics, integrations, and features for managing the end-to-end hiring process.
Enterprise SoftwareHR TechSaaSSan Francisco, US
Benjamin Encz(Founder)inAbhik Pramanik(Co-Founder & VP of Engineering)in
Assembly OSM develops modular construction technology and methods to make urban development scalable and sustainable, enabling rapid high-rise building assembly.
CleantechConstruction TechPropTechNew York, US
Attn: Grace develops plant-based, skin-safe incontinence pads, liners, and body care products designed for comfort and leak protection. The company focuses on eco-conscious manufacturing with sustainable materials and CO2 neutral production.
Circular EconomyConsumerFemTech
Azibo is a property management platform that enables landlords to collect rent, screen tenants, manage leases, track maintenance, and handle accounting and tax preparation. The platform serves residential and commercial property owners of all portfolio sizes.
FintechPropTechSaaS
Biostate AI is a biotech company that develops AI-driven solutions for the life sciences and medical research sectors. The company operates multiple international subsidiaries and partnerships focused on advancing genomics and health diagnostics.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDigital HealthHouston, US
Timothy Kassis(Co-Founder & Head of AI)
Blackshark.ai builds AI infrastructure that converts satellite and drone imagery into operational intelligence for understanding the physical world. The platform processes geospatial data at scale to enable applications including disaster response, infrastructure mapping, and training synthetic environments for autonomous systems.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureDeep Tech<UNKNOWN>
BoomPop is an AI-powered event planning platform that helps organizations plan corporate events, conferences, and offsites in significantly less time by automating vendor sourcing, budget tracking, guest management, and logistics planning. The platform serves primarily mid-to-large organizations seeking to reduce event planning effort while managing costs and maintaining quality.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS<UNKNOWN>
Civitech builds technology infrastructure for political candidates, social causes, and local governments to increase voter registration and engagement. The platform provides voter data, SMS outreach tools, and campaign support to help underrepresented communities participate in the democratic process.
Enterprise SoftwareGovTechSaaS
Jeremy Smith(CEO and Co-founder)
Cofertility connects intended parents seeking egg donors with women who want to freeze their eggs for their own future, offering a "Split" program where women can donate eggs while subsidizing their own egg-freezing costs.
FemTechHealthtechNew York, US
Digiphy offers a connected packaging and contextual storytelling platform that uses QR codes and page building to enable brands to communicate product origin, traceability, and sustainability information directly to consumers. The platform serves consumer brands seeking to build deeper customer relationships and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
AI & Machine LearningCircular EconomyMarketing TechRetail TechLos Angeles, US
Sarah Wagman Ellenbogen(Co-Founder & CEO)ChrisSami
Eclipse Foods makes plant-based ice cream designed to replicate the taste and texture of dairy ice cream using plant-derived ingredients. The company targets consumers seeking sustainable, healthy alternatives that reduce environmental impact.
Climate TechConsumerFoodTechSan Francisco, US
Aylon Steinhart(Founder)inThomas Elliott Bowman(Founder)inChef co-founder (name not stated)Aylon(Co-founder)
EIO Diagnostics develops a thermal sensor-based mastitis monitoring system for dairy farmers that detects udder health issues to reduce infections. The UdderHealth Mastitis system integrates into various dairy parlor styles to serve farms of all sizes.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningCleantechHealthtechIoTAustin, US
Unknown dairy farmer founderUnknown technology co-founder
Empo Health provides remote monitoring tools for diabetic patients at risk of foot ulcers, including an imaging scale and patient monitoring service that enables providers to track foot health and detect issues earlier. The system targets diabetic patients and healthcare providers managing diabetic neuropathy complications.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices
Empo Health develops in-home health monitoring devices for diabetic patients and healthcare providers to improve care outcomes. The company serves diabetes management in the digital health space.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesSan Francisco, US
Ergatta manufactures smart rowing machines with interactive coaching, gamified workouts, and scenic content. The company serves fitness enthusiasts seeking home workout equipment combining hardware with digital training features.
ConsumerHardwareHealthtechWellness & FitnessBrooklyn, US
Esper builds a regulatory platform that helps government agencies research, draft, and manage regulations and policies through structured workflows and publication portals. The company serves federal, state, and local government agencies seeking to simplify rulemaking and policy administration.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareGovTech
<UNKNOWN>
Esper provides device management software using DevOps principles for company-managed devices, automating provisioning and exception-based management across Android and other platforms. It serves enterprises and device manufacturers seeking operational efficiency beyond traditional mobile device management.
Developer ToolsEnterprise SoftwareIoT
Yadhu(Co-Founder & CEO)Shiv(Co-Founder & Chief Business Operator)
Fantix provides machine learning and AI models for synthetic data generation and data enrichment, designed for marketing and business intelligence use cases. The company offers solutions for CRM enrichment, cookieless ID resolution, and federated machine learning while prioritizing privacy protection.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureMarketing Tech
FirstIgnite provides AI software that helps universities, hospitals, nonprofits, and foundations identify, engage, and manage partnership opportunities in research funding, philanthropy, and technology licensing. The platform combines AI-powered prospecting, outreach, and data management for mission-driven organizations.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Glitch provides a unified platform for marketing indie and solo game developers, offering tools for influencer outreach, community building, email engagement, playtesting, and game showcases. The platform aims to help independent game developers achieve marketing success comparable to AAA studios.
GamingMarketing TechSaaSRoswell, US
Hey Jane is a virtual clinic providing abortion care and reproductive health services to patients across 24 U.S. states through telehealth. The company connects patients with clinicians for affordable, confidential care and partners with abortion funds and community organizations to expand access.
Digital HealthFemTechHealthtech
Jupe designs and manufactures off-grid dwellings for landowners seeking to activate their properties through hospitality or residential use. The company creates prefabricated, solar-powered living spaces produced in the United States with an emphasis on sustainable design and durability.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechClimate TechConstruction TechHardwarePropTechSan Francisco, US
Jeff Wilson aka Professor Dumpster(Founder)inAntonio Gonzalez(Founder)inJon Leonardo(CEO)
Leda provides self-administered DNA testing kits and related services for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, aiming to improve evidence collection and support for survivors. The company partners with certified laboratories for testing and works to strengthen public safety systems and access to justice.
HealthtechImpact & Social Good
Middesk is a business identity platform that helps companies verify, onboard, and monitor other businesses using verified data and streamlined processes. It serves financial services and enterprise companies that need to assess business creditworthiness and trust.
Data & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSSan Francisco, US
Mission Barns produces cultivated meat products, primarily pork-based items like meatballs, bacon, and sausages, combining lab-grown pork fat with plant protein for consumers seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional meat.
Climate TechFoodTechBerkeley, US
Operant AI provides a runtime defense platform that protects cloud and AI applications across infrastructure and APIs through continuous discovery, detection, and defense capabilities. The platform defends against runtime attacks including data exfiltration, supply chain attacks, model theft, and prompt injection for development, security, and operations teams.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingCybersecurityDeveloper ToolsEnterprise Software
Vrajesh(Co-Founder and CEO)Priyanka(Co-Founder and CTO)Ashley(Co-founder and COO)
Paperstack provides revenue-based financing solutions tailored to direct-to-consumer and retail e-commerce brands. The company offers working capital and financial tools to help online retailers grow without dilutive equity financing.
Direct to ConsumerE-commerceFintechToronto, CA
Assel Beglinova(Co-founder and CEO)Vadim Lidich(Co-founder and CTO)
Board is an enterprise planning platform that unifies financial and operational planning with AI-driven agents to enable continuous planning and forecasting. It serves large enterprises across finance, operations, and supply chain functions to improve forecast accuracy and decision-making in real-time.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise Software
Rain Neuromorphics manufactures AI processors using neuromorphic hardware—physical neural networks with spiking neurons and memristive nanowires—that consume significantly less power than conventional processors for machine learning applications.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningRoboticsSan Francisco, US
Gordon Hirsch Wilson(Founder/CEO)inJuan Claudio Nino(Founder)inJack Kendall(Founder/Chief Technical Officer)in
Rejoy Health builds AI-powered tools for healthcare providers including clinical documentation, patient communication, and diagnostic support. The platform serves doctors, clinics, and healthcare teams with HIPAA-compliant features for charting, scheduling, interpretation, and evidence-based clinical guidance.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechSan Francisco, US
A company developing wearable devices combined with artificial intelligence to detect early signs of sepsis in patients outside hospital settings.
HealthtechSan Francisco, US
Shimmer provides coaching, community, and digital tools designed specifically for people with ADHD, combining expert guidance with peer support to help them reach their potential. The platform serves neurodivergent individuals seeking ADHD-specific support outside traditional mental health systems.
Digital HealthHealthtechMental HealthWellness & FitnessSan Francisco, US
Christal Wang(Founder)inVikram Sreedhar(Founder)inChris Wang(Co-founder & CEO)
Shipsi provides fulfillment optimization software that transforms order delivery into a competitive advantage for retail brands. The platform targets e-commerce and DTC companies seeking to enhance post-purchase customer experiences and drive loyalty through improved fulfillment.
Direct to ConsumerE-commerceLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSLos Angeles, US
Skycatch provides spatial data capture, processing, and analysis solutions for mining and industrial operations, using AI capabilities to generate near-real-time digital twins and deliver operational insights. The company's technology helps mining customers improve safety, productivity, and decision-making accuracy across site operations.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureIrving, US
Christian Sanz(Founder & CEO)
SmartHelio develops predictive analytics solutions for solar energy optimization and investment risk assessment. The company serves solar asset owners and investors globally to unlock the full potential of solar energy.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechData & InfrastructureEnergyEnterprise SoftwareSaaSLausanne, CH
Govinda Upadhyay(Founder)inNeerajGovindaShankaransh
Smore is a newsletter builder that helps educators and school administrators create and distribute branded communications to families, staff, and students. The platform offers drag-and-drop design, collaboration tools, multi-language support, and engagement analytics.
AdTechEdTechMarketing TechSaaSTel Aviv, IL
Solideon is a manufacturing platform specializing in bespoke aerospace vehicle production, including custom-designed aircraft and components. The company serves aerospace customers and positions itself as the world's only large-scale manufacturer capable of crafting a variety of aerospace vehicles using advanced manufacturing techniques.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningCleantechHardwareRoboticsSpace TechDenver, US
Oluseun Taiwo(Founder & CEO)Joel Ilfill(CTO)
Space Forge manufactures high-purity semiconductor substrates using microgravity manufacturing processes to eliminate defects found in Earth-based production. The company serves semiconductor manufacturers seeking higher-performance materials for next-generation applications.
Deep TechNew MaterialsSemiconductors
Tamber provides a suite of tools for music production including voice-controlled DAW interaction, motion-based instrument control, AI-powered sample discovery, and sample packs derived from ambient recordings. The platform is designed for music creators working within their digital audio workstation.
AI & Machine LearningCreator Economy
Company building autonomous AI agents for data engineering; acquired by Snowflake
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Gaingels invest at?
- Gaingels invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage stages.
- What sectors does Gaingels focus on?
- Gaingels focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Gaingels located?
- Gaingels is headquartered in New York, US.
- Does Gaingels lead rounds?
- Gaingels typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
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