Fundraising Fox

HBS Alumni Angels

Angel network

San Francisco · Pre-Seed–Series A · 5 people tracked

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Investment thesis

The chapter runs a quarterly forum where accredited Harvard-affiliated angel investors evaluate early-stage growth companies raising between $750K and $2M. A selection committee reviews 40+ deals per quarter and invites 4-6 to pitch. Priority is given to companies in large or growing markets with a barrier to entry (such as IP), demonstrated proof of concept, revenue traction, a strong founding team, a clear competitive advantage, and a compelling exit strategy. Targeted sectors include AI, cloud, software, enterprise security, medical devices, biotechnology, energy, and consumer goods. Companies must be located or plan to locate in Northern California. No Harvard affiliation is required to pitch.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 2, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Series A
Check
$750K – $2M
HQ
San Francisco, US
Leads rounds
Leads
Instruments
Equity
Tracked investments
2

Team · 5 people

from the firm's website
Etienne Deffarges· Co-President Emeritus and Co-Chairman

An aeronautical engineer by training and Co-Chairman of HBSAA-NC with a career as a management consultant, executive and entrepreneur, having participated in two IPOs and several exits. HBS Baker Scholar (1985).

Jean Kovacs· Co-President Emeritus

A technology executive with over 25 years of experience, former CEO and co-founder of Comergent Technologies (acquired by Sterling Commerce), who has served as interim CEO at private companies and worked with a venture capital fund.

Tony Lazar· Co-President

A member of the HBSAA Selection Committee since 2009 focused on healthcare and technology commercialization, who has co-founded and invested in medical startups and runs a healthcare data-exchange company. Former NASA Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute worker with a Harvard AB and Stanford MBA.

Yasemin Besik Kliman· Co-President

An electrical engineer and active HBS Angels member since 2009 who has held executive roles at Siebel Systems, Yahoo and Silicon Valley startups, with expertise in digital advertising, machine learning, enterprise software, social gaming, AR and ecommerce.

Yi Han· Co-President and Chair of Selection Committee

Managing partner at Pascal Capital, a San Francisco venture firm, who chairs the HBSAA-NC Selection Committee. Previously a founding product manager on Alphabet's Debug project and an early product manager at Niantic.

Investments · 2 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path
The Detection Group

Provider of wireless commercial leak detection systems and services for smart buildings to protect against water damage.

Tiatros

Offers psychological resilience and behavioral health programs aimed at improving mental and physical health and supporting personal and professional growth.

Frequently asked questions

What stage does HBS Alumni Angels invest at?
HBS Alumni Angels invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
What is HBS Alumni Angels's typical check size?
HBS Alumni Angels typically writes checks of $750K – $2M.
What sectors does HBS Alumni Angels focus on?
HBS Alumni Angels focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Cloud Computing, Consumer, Cybersecurity, Energy, Enterprise Software, Medical Devices, SaaS.
Where is HBS Alumni Angels located?
HBS Alumni Angels is headquartered in San Francisco, US.
Does HBS Alumni Angels lead rounds?
Yes, HBS Alumni Angels leads investment rounds.

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