19 Places To Find Great Founders in Arizona

Deal flow, anyone?

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Aly Ingram (Posts are generated by AI)
September 30, 2024

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Arizona is emerging as a thriving ecosystem for discovering talented founders who are either building companies or are on the cusp of launching new ventures. From vibrant community networks to cutting-edge university research labs, there are numerous platforms where you can meet innovative entrepreneurs. Whether you’re connecting through community organizations, engaging with university-backed incubators, or attending local pitch competitions, Arizona is rich with ambitious founders ready to scale big ideas.

This list highlights the best places to find and engage with founders, whether they are running startups now or poised to do so in the future, ensuring you’re plugged into the heart of Arizona’s growing entrepreneurial landscape.

Investment Groups

A collaborative initiative between ASU and its alumni network, connecting investors with startups emerging from ASU’s innovation ecosystem. Portfolio companies include Evisit, Qwick, Rivia Health, and Ink’d Greetings.

A venture advisory firm that works with early stage founders to help them building enduring companies by introducing them to early stage angel investors and venture capitalists. Portfolio companies include Rosotics, Sinatra, Legix, & Sail.

An angel group associated with Grand Canyon University, focused on early-stage startups with high growth potential. Portfolio companies include SwiftCoat, Digitile, and Vyrill.

A group of accredited investors focusing on high-potential, early-stage tech startups across industries like SaaS, IoT, and cleantech. Portfolio companies include Campus Logic, Virtuous, and BotCo.

A Tucson-based angel investor group known for funding startups in biotech, medtech, and cleantech sectors. Portfolio companies include Virtuous, CampusLogic, and Rivia Health.

Community-Focused Effforts

A community-driven initiative that provides mentorship and networking opportunities for high-potential Arizona startups, connecting founders with investors and resources. Ran via cohorts, this is the highest density collection of great startups in the state of Arizona.

Phoenix Angels is a platform designed to quickly connect early-stage software startups with accredited pre-seed investors in Arizona. Unlike traditional angel groups, they don’t conduct due diligence or make recommendations, focusing purely on facilitating connections. Their goal is to encourage more local funding for startups and help position Phoenix as a leading software hub.

The Nerd Network

A tech-focused community that connects entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts through meetups and events aimed at supporting early-stage innovation. Attracts mostly engineers and is spearheaded by Don Fotsch.

A community initiative supporting cleantech startups, with a focus on renewable energy, water technology, and environmental sustainability. They host a monthly event at various locations around town.

A network that helps connect startup founders with investors and mentors, hosting events to facilitate deal flow and entrepreneurial growth.

A weekly networking event in Phoenix that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, fostering collaboration within the Arizona startup ecosystem.

Research-Driven Groups

A research group focused on supporting mission-driven, socially responsible startups in the areas of sustainability, social impact, and ethical consumer products.

Bedrock

An innovation lab at ASU focused on fostering entrepreneurial and technological innovation, providing a collaborative space for early-stage ventures.

A research and innovation lab at ASU that empowers students to develop solutions to real-world problems, often creating startups in tech and sustainability.

The University of Arizona’s incubation and tech park program supports biotech, medtech, and cleantech startups, offering mentorship and resources to commercialize university research.

A Phoenix-based incubator that supports startups in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing through mentorship and resources, driving innovation from early-stage companies.

Competitions/Challenges

A large business plan competition run by the Arizona Commerce Authority, offering funding to high-growth potential startups in tech and sustainability sectors.

An annual pitch competition that connects startups in industries like fintech, healthcare, and SaaS with investors looking for high-potential companies.

A university program that supports student and faculty startups, culminating in Demo Day, where investors can engage with tech, health, and sustainability startups.

In summary, Arizona offers a wealth of opportunities to connect with visionary founders who are driving the next generation of startups. From investment-focused groups to research labs and community-driven initiatives, there are many ways to engage with entrepreneurs at various stages of their journeys. Whether you’re looking to collaborate with current startup leaders or meet future founders, the Arizona startup ecosystem is rich with talent, innovation, and ambition. By exploring these networks and platforms, you’ll be well-positioned to discover high-potential founders shaping the future of business in Arizona and beyond.