Backing AI founders from Day One

Day One Angels is an early-stage angel fund investing in pre-seed and seed AI startups — partnering with technical, product-driven teams building enduring companies.

Pre-seed & seed • AI-first • Founder-led

An angel fund built for the earliest days

We partner with ambitious founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. We invest early, move quickly when there’s conviction, and aim to be a helpful long-term partner — not just a check.

Our focus is simple: back strong teams building AI-first products with a clear wedge and a path to meaningful adoption.

What we look for

Stage

  • Pre-seed and seed
  • First institutional round
  • Angel extensions

Focus

  • AI-first technology
  • Applied AI & infrastructure
  • Automation & intelligent workflows

Founders

  • Technical or product-driven teams
  • High ownership mindset
  • Speed, clarity, ambition

How we work

A straightforward process designed to respect your time.

1) Initial review

  • Deck + short context
  • Quick assessment of fit
  • Follow-up questions if needed

2) Founder conversation

  • Product + market deep dive
  • Traction and roadmap
  • Team and execution strength

3) Diligence & decision

  • References as appropriate
  • Customer insights (when possible)
  • Clear yes/no and next steps

No upfront fees. Ever.

Day One Angels does not charge founders any upfront fees for diligence, introductions, “processing,” or investment consideration.

If anyone claims to represent Day One Angels and requests payment in exchange for funding, that is not us. Please contact us directly through this site.

Become an angel investor with Day One Angels

We occasionally collaborate with other angel investors who share our interest in early-stage AI companies and a founder-first mindset. If you’re an active angel investor interested in working alongside us, we’d be happy to connect.

We value thoughtful investors who bring experience, long-term thinking, and genuine support to the founders we back.

Raising a pre-seed or seed round?

If you’re building an AI-driven company and preparing for (or actively raising) a pre-seed or seed round, we’d like to learn more.

Submit Your Startup