Akron Regional Change Angels (ARCHAngels) Network

The Akron Regional Change Angels (ARCHAngels) Network, established in 2005, serves as a regional forum that introduces investors to market-driven, technology-based investment opportunities within Northeast Ohio, with a particular emphasis on the greater Akron area. Sponsored by the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF), the network brings together promising technology companies and angel investors, focusing on businesses that leverage the region's strengths in healthcare, information technology, polymers, and other advanced materials. ARCHAngels conducts quarterly meetings to present high-growth startup businesses to investors, mentors, and economic development resources, fostering connections that support the growth of these companies.

The network's leadership comprises representatives from the University of Akron, enterprise accelerators, regional initiatives, local government, private sector, and investment partners. This collaborative approach aims to create wealth in the Northeast Ohio community by fostering intimate networks and partnerships among universities, industry, business leadership, and regional government. ARCHAngels has presented over 175 companies since its inception, generating an estimated $80 million in follow-on funding.

ARCHAngels is strongly allied with the Austen BioInnovation Institute, the Akron Global Business Accelerator, and GLIDE in Lorain County. The network has become syndicated with all the angel groups in Ohio, strengthening the role of universities as participants in the ecosystem and supporting early-stage companies. It also advocates for university engagement in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, aiming to involve universities more in supporting these companies. The network's mission is to engage higher education in the technology-based economic development ecosystem and to take the Akron model and spread it not only in Northeast Ohio but across the U.S. and even internationally.