Angel Fest is an energetic conference empowering and connecting early-stage investors from Minnesota, and beyond. Angel Fest is the region’s marquee annual investor conference—you won’t want to miss it!
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"Angel Fest was the most intentional gathering of investors and entrepreneurs that I can remember."
"It was a phenomenal event! I learned a ton and connected with new and familiar faces. Well done!"
“I was thrilled to be a part of this event - much needed in our community. Excited to come back next year!”
TOPICS
It’s no surprise the Bay Area dominates venture capital news, but that isn’t always reflective of what is happening in other startup markets. Angel Fest brings together regional and national thought leaders to discuss and explore early-stage investing trends and best practices, while adding regional context.
Angel Fest is designed to inspire, educate, and connect early-stage investors regardless if they are LPs, fund managers, solo angels, or investing through an angel network. Both current and aspiring early-stage investors will find the conference to be time well spent.
Headliners
Monica Nassif
In a landscape where most consumer brands struggle to break through, Monica Nassif turned household cleaning into a household name. As the founder of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, she pioneered premium, eco-conscious products, scaling the brand to 20,000+ stores before its landmark acquisition by SC Johnson.
Chuck Runyon
Chuck Runyon’s vision went beyond fitness—he revolutionized the entire wellness industry. As the co-founder of Anytime Fitness, Chuck built the world’s largest fitness franchise, now with over 5,000 locations in 30+ countries. He also played a pivotal role in shaping Purpose Brands, a $3.7B global leader that includes top wellness brands like Orangetheory Fitness, Waxing the City, and Stronger U Nutrition.
Spotlight Talks
Invisible Threads
In today’s digital world, data is currency—but protecting privacy is a growing challenge. Joe Toscano, a featured expert in Netflix's The Social Dilemma, will explore how startups and investors can create value while safeguarding user data in an era of constant connectivity.
Lessons from 100+ Checks
No need to start from scratch—learn from someone who's been there! Daren Cotter, who bootstrapped and sold his own tech company, has written 100+ angel checks since 2013. In this session, he’ll share key lessons to help early-stage investors sharpen their approach and invest smarter.
Panels
From Rookie to Rainmaker
Get ready for an unfiltered, free-flowing conversation where seasoned investors share their hard-earned wisdom, while fresh voices bring new perspectives to the table. From deals that got away to what motivates new angels to jump in, this panel is all about the stories, lessons, and what drives them—no filter, no script.
Dilly Dilly
This diligence conversation will be a fast-paced, no-nonsense panel where top investors across the region pull back the curtain on their due diligence process. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what truly matters when evaluating startups. You can expect candid insights, some straight-up wisdom, and plenty of actionable insights.
Proceed Toward the Exit
Not all exits are created equal—some are legendary, some are messy, and some are the ultimate mic drop. In this session, we’ll share insights on timing, planning, and navigating the exit process. From what investors can and cannot control to the founder’s perspective on gearing up for a sale, this panel will explore patterns in successful exits, team dynamics, and the journey from deal evaluation to outcome. Whether you're aiming for a smooth landing or a champagne-worthy sendoff, this is your guide to getting it right!
Unleashed & Unbound – New Opportunities in Discovery Square
Great investments don’t happen by chance—they happen by design. Rochester [Minnesota!] is creating more investable opportunities by building global partnerships (more shots on goal) and helping startups de-risk their ideas (better shots on goal). Plus, Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. initiative is redefining healthcare, opening entirely new arenas for innovation.
