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Top 10 Angel Investors for AI Startups in North America in 2025
2025-04-24 08:03 Top 10

Top 10 Angel Investors for AI Startups in North America in 2025

Top 10 Angel Investors for AI Startups in North America in 2025

As the world of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the demand for innovative AI startups has surged. Angel investors play a pivotal role in nurturing these nascent enterprises, providing not only capital but also mentorship and industry insight. Here are the Top 10 Angel Investors for AI Startups in North America for 2025, highlighting their backgrounds, investment strategies, and notable investments.
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1. Elad Gil

Background: A serial entrepreneur and influential angel investor, Elad Gil has invested in a multitude of successful tech companies.
Focus: He prioritizes early-stage investments in software, fintech, and AI, especially those embodying disruptive technology.
Investment Stage: Seed, Series A
AI Investments: Character.AI, Harvey.AI, Perplexity.AI, among others.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: Over 30.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies (Non-AI): Twitter, Uber, Airbnb, Stripe, Coinbase.
  • Investment Thesis: Invests in firms with exceptional founding teams and high scalability potential, favoring technical innovation.
  • Typical Check Size: $250k+.
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily US-based but open to other global opportunities.
  • Learn more about Elad Gil

2. Nat Friedman

Background: Former CEO of GitHub and a two-time founder, Friedman is a reputable angel investor.
Focus: He concentrates on AI startups and often collaborates with Daniel Gross in investments.
Investment Stage: Seed to Series A
AI Investments: Eleven Labs, Character.ai, Retool, Scale, Vercel, Perplexity, AssemblyAI, Magic.dev.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: More than 25.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies (Non-AI): GitHub.
  • Investment Thesis: Focuses on tech innovations with practical applications.
  • Typical Check Size: Likely starts at $100k+.
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily invests in US-based companies.
  • Learn more about Nat Friedman
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3. Wei Guo

Background: Managing Partner at UpHonest Capital and founder of Wei Capital.
Focus: Cross-sector early-stage investments with significant emphasis on AI and digital firms.
Investment Stage: Seed, Series A
AI Investments: Checkr, RoboTerra, and various AI-focused companies.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: Multiple; he has over 70 portfolio companies valued above $100M.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies (Non-AI): Hims & Hers, Rippling.
  • Investment Thesis: Invests in cutting-edge businesses across multiple sectors, including AI.
  • Awards: Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for Venture Capital.
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily focused on Silicon Valley.
  • Learn more about Wei Guo

4. Naval Ravikant

Background: Co-founder of AngelList, Ravikant is a prominent entrepreneur and thought leader.
Focus: He generally focuses on technology startups, including AI, fostering innovative business models.
Investment Stage: Seed, early-stage
AI Investments: Has invested in various tech startups that include AI elements.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: Part of a broader portfolio of over 200 investments.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies (Non-AI): Uber, Twitter, Notion.
  • Investment Thesis: Supports disruptive technologies with philosophical insight into business growth.
  • Typical Check Size: Varied based on company stage.
  • Geographic Focus: Global, with a concentration in the US.
  • Learn more about Naval Ravikant

5. Daniel Gross

Background: An active entrepreneur and angel investor, Gross brings notable insights into AI investments.
Focus: Primarily invests in AI startups and works closely with Nat Friedman.
Investment Stage: Seed, early-stage.
AI Investments: Actively invests in a variety of AI companies, details often undisclosed.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: Over 18.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies: Collaborative investments with Nat Friedman.
  • Investment Thesis: Targets transformative AI businesses.
  • Typical Check Size: Not specifically disclosed.
  • Geographic Focus: Mainly US-based startups.
  • Learn more about Daniel Gross
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6. Gokul Rajaram

Background: An experienced business leader and angel investor with a background in tech.
Focus: Early-stage investments in AI and software startups.
Investment Stage: Seed and early-stage.
AI Investments: Several undisclosed investments across various AI companies.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: 18+.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies (Non-AI): Various tech companies remain undisclosed.
  • Investment Thesis: Prefers firms with promising market potential and innovative solutions.
  • Typical Check Size: Depending on the deal specifics.
  • Geographic Focus: Principally US-based startups.
  • Learn more about Gokul Rajaram

7. Scott Belsky

Background: A dynamic entrepreneur and angel investor known for his involvement in the creative technology sector.
Focus: Primarily invests in early-stage AI and creative technology startups.
Investment Stage: Seed and early-stage.
AI Investments: Engages with multiple AI companies, though details may not be disclosed.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: Over 24.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies (Non-AI): Behance.
  • Investment Thesis: Seeks innovative companies that leverage creativity in technology.
  • Typical Check Size: Not explicitly mentioned.
  • Geographic Focus: Mostly US-based investments.
  • Learn more about Scott Belsky

8. Lachy Groom

Background: An angel investor emphasizing early-stage technology companies.
Focus: Invests heavily in technology startups, including AI.
Investment Stage: Seed and early-stage.
AI Investments: Numerous investments in technology startups, specific details may not be disclosed.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: 19+.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies: Various technology companies.
  • Investment Thesis: Focus on transformative innovation with significant growth potential.
  • Typical Check Size: Not explicitly mentioned.
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily North American tech hubs.
  • Learn more about Lachy Groom

9. Mark Cuban

Background: A well-known entrepreneur and media personality who has made his mark as an investor.
Focus: Cuban invests across a diverse range of sectors, including AI technology startups.
Investment Stage: Seed and early-stage.
AI Investments: Engages with numerous AI-related companies.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: 17+.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies (Non-AI): Various prominent tech companies.
  • Investment Thesis: Seeks companies capable of significant growth with solid business models.
  • Typical Check Size: Varies greatly based on the specific investment opportunity.
  • Geographic Focus: Focuses primarily on the US market.
  • Learn more about Mark Cuban

10. Sam Altman

Background: The CEO of OpenAI, Altman is deeply integrated into the AI investment landscape.
Focus: He particularly invests in AI startups with innovative applications of large language models.
Investment Stage: Seed and early-stage.
AI Investments: Engages in multiple investment rounds, often with undisclosed details.
Data Points:
  • Number of AI Investments: Over 14.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies: Various companies within the OpenAI ecosystem.
  • Investment Thesis: Invests in companies that push technological boundaries.
  • Typical Check Size: Varies by stage and investment potential.
  • Geographic Focus: Global scope, with a strong focus on US-based AI initiatives.
  • Learn more about Sam Altman
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FAQ

Q: Who is Elad Gil, and what is his investment focus in AI?
A: Elad Gil is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor known for his investments in various high-profile tech companies. He primarily focuses on early-stage investments in software, fintech, and AI, particularly in disruptive technologies. He has invested in companies like Character.AI and Harvey.AI. Learn more about Elad Gil.
Q: What is Nat Friedman's role in the AI investment space?
A: Nat Friedman is the former CEO of GitHub and an active angel investor with a focus on AI startups. He often co-invests with Daniel Gross in companies like Eleven Labs and Retool. Discover more about Nat Friedman.
Q: What distinguishes Wei Guo as an angel investor?
A: Wei Guo is the Managing Partner at UpHonest Capital and focuses on cross-sector early-stage investments, particularly in AI and digital firms. He has invested in companies like Checkr and RoboTerra. Learn more about Wei Guo.
Q: How does Naval Ravikant approach investments in tech startups?
A: Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList, focuses on technology startups, including AI. He has invested in over 200 companies, favoring disruptive technology and innovative business models. Explore more about Naval Ravikant.
Q: What is Daniel Gross known for in the realm of AI investments?
A: Daniel Gross is recognized as an entrepreneur and an active angel investor in AI startups, frequently co-investing with Nat Friedman. While the specifics of his investments aren't always publicly listed, he has a reputation for focusing on companies with transformative potential. Learn more about Daniel Gross.
Q: What role does Gokul Rajaram play in AI investment?
A: Gokul Rajaram is a business leader and angel investor focusing on early-stage AI and software startups. His investment strategy emphasizes companies with strong market potential and innovative solutions. Explore Gokul Rajaram's contributions.
Q: How does Scott Belsky contribute to the AI investment landscape?
A: Scott Belsky is an entrepreneur and angel investor who focuses on early-stage AI and creative technology startups. He values companies with innovative approaches to technology and business within his investment strategy. Learn more about Scott Belsky.
Q: What is Lachy Groom's investment strategy?
A: Lachy Groom is an angel investor focused on early-stage technology companies, including AI. His strategy revolves around identifying disruptive innovations with potential for market leadership. Discover more about Lachy Groom.
Q: What is Mark Cuban's approach to AI investments?
A: Mark Cuban is an entrepreneur and investor with a diverse portfolio that includes AI startups. He prefers companies with scalability and strong business propositions, investing in a variety of sectors. Learn more about Mark Cuban.
Q: What are Sam Altman's investment interests in AI startups?
A: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is focused on AI startups that leverage innovative applications of large language models. His investments often support companies pushing the boundaries of technology. Explore more about Sam Altman.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.