Apply Now: SAESC Startup Spotlight Cohort 1

Stanford Angels Startup Spotlight: Cohort 1 Applications are Open!

Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs of Southern California (SAESC) is launching Startup Spotlight, a six-month program selecting 8 SoCal founders for free visibility and access within our investor and builder network.

Selected founders receive:

  • Extended pitch slots at our investor events

  • Warm intros from board members to relevant angels and operators

  • A demo station at our LA TechWeek event

  • Free membership to StartupCouncil.org

  • Inclusion in SAE member email and social channels throughout the cohort

  • Mention on our website: stanfordaandeofsocal.com

This new program builds on the successful Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs Startup Spotlight in 2025 that included Brennan Lieu, B.S. 2025.

As co-founder of California-based aerospace & defense startup Hybron, Brennan closed a $25M oversubscribed Seed round in April 2026.

"SAESC connected Hybron to early angels and opened doors we wouldn't have found on our own. For early-stage founders in SoCal, this is the network you want in your corner." — Brennan Lieu, co-founder, Hybron

How to Apply:

Tell us about your start up. Fill out the application and share a short overview of your company and what you're building.

Have a pitch deck ready and click here to fill out the application ASAP: https://airtable.com/app3wuI8TxfwEpnve/shrqmatvHErV3h1Zt

Submit before the June 15, 2026 deadline.

(Stanford-affiliated teams (alum founder, co-founder, team or advisor) receive priority consideration but alumni ties are not required.)

Apply Now!