Baylor Angel Network

The Baylor Angel Network (BAN) is a university-affiliated angel investor network at Hankamer School of Business providing early-stage capital to entrepreneurial companies. Its distinctive model deploys student analysts to screen deals and perform due diligence through a structured two-year experiential practicum — "Student run. Staff coordinated. Faculty led. Angel funded."

• Founded: 2009
• Invested: $60M+ cumulatively
• Portfolio: 100+ companies
• Members: 100+ alumni investors
• ACA ranking: #4 nationally in investing (2024 Angel Funders Report); #1 in Texas; 3rd consecutive year top 5

• Executive Director: Steven Diedrich — teaches two-year entrepreneurial finance practicum
• Operations: Cara Lane Charlet — deal sourcing, investor relations
• Oversight: Dean David M. Szymanski, Hankamer School of Business

• Two-year analyst sequence: coursework, shadowing, deal analysis, peer training
• Real deal screening with mentor guidance from network members
• Alumni analysts often become investors, founders, or fund managers

• baylor-new-venture-competition first-place winners present to BAN
• BAN Analysts' Choice: up to 4 hours pitch deck consultation for NVC finalists
• Affiliated fund structure for member diversification (verify current terms)

BAN is an alumni/member-funded angel network, not a dedicated student-managed university venture fund comparable to SMU MBA Venture Fund or TCU Shaddock Seed Fund.