4.0
4.2 
3.8 
4.0 
4.2 
Best Seed Stage Option in the Midwest.
Fund: Hyde Park Angels
Posted by brewers on 2010-07-25
HPA led our seed round. The diligence process is different than the diligence process of a fund. They are more into the details of the business model and less into social proof.
In the midwest they are by far the smartest and most active seed-stage investor.
Only a few members of the group are typical internet entrepreneurs. However, many are successful entrepreneurs from other contexts (particularly financial services) or otherwise impressive and well-connected folks.
They really like to help. It can seem a little overwhelming at first, but ultimately is useful.
They like to see traction, either some customers or visitors to the website. I don't think you would have any luck pitching them on an idea and a business plan.
PRIVATE: Members Only (826 Characters)Hpa Led Round
Fund: Hyde Park Angels
Posted by sccarp on 2010-03-29
We had a great experience working with the HPA team. HPA was helpful and fair in evaluating our company.
Our round included four investment groups with HPA as the lead investor. The entire process took about 5 months. We had an initial meeting with 10+ HPA members and then presented at the quarterly meeting to the larger group. After this, there was interest on both sides so we proceeded to due diligence and closing. The HPA due diligence process is solid with a very smart team of MBAs doing the heavy lifting.
The group is definitely gaining momentum. We plan to leverage them heavily as we scale our business. I expect HPA to be a major contributor to launching early stage ventures in the midwest and would highly recommend talking with the team.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyFunded by Hpa
Fund: Hyde Park Angels
Posted by gaspland on 2010-03-22
Hyde Park Angels(HPA) invested in us, and we're really glad to have them involved. Each angel is a leader in his or her field, and they all want to help. In addition, the HPA team manages the communication between the angels and the company really well, so you’re not answering to multiple investors, but you still get to draw on the expertise of the entire network. They’re a great group to have at your back.
Ira Weiss the Faculty Director sits on our board. He's an experienced VC and brings a lot of value to the table. He takes his role seriously and constantly asks how he and HPA can help. Not to mention, he’s a fun guy to grab a beer with.
When you first approach HPA, you’ll deal with their associates, which are all current MBAs. They’re a hard working group and will take you and your pitch seriously. They managed us through the application process, which is thorough, and asked sharp, reasonable questions.
I would definitely recommend pitching to HPA. They’ve been a tremendous asset to our company.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyWelcome to MBA School
Fund: Hyde Park Angels
Posted by Anonymous on 2010-02-10
Well like many funds, this one uses associates to vet out potential deals. The additional part is that they are all MBA students at The Booth School of Business at the Univeristy of Chicago. It can take 4-6 months to get conference call with the screening committee, and even then you feel like your more the topic of a classroom discussion than that your are talking with investors.
Can't say what they are like if they fund you, or their terms, on paper they look quite impressive with their membership and expertise, but it did feel unprofessional dealing with MBA students that couldn't keep appointments, or keep us abreast of where we stood.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyWorth Pitching...If You Can Get In
Fund: Hyde Park Angels
Posted by Anonymous on 2009-10-30
Hyde Park Angels is one of the better angel groups in the Midwest. It is difficult to get past their screening process, and once you do, investment is not guaranteed.
PRIVATE: Members Only