Arizona Tech Investors (ATI), an Arizona-based angel investing group focused on early-stage and startup companies developing solutions in the SaaS, technology and life sciences sectors, has selected Bob DeLean as its new Chairman, CEO & Managing Director. In his new role, DeLean will oversee the group’s investments and memberships, following the current Chairman & Managing Director James Goulka’s retirement at the end of this year. ATI leads the Arizona angel investing community with over 115 investments in the startup ecosystem.
DeLean has been an investor with ATI for more than 11 years and currently serves as the organization’s Vice Chair for Candidate Identification and Evaluation. He spent eight years as a Senior Equity Analyst with Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc., a wealth management and capital market firm now part of Raymond James Financial Inc. Since moving back to Arizona in 2004, DeLean has made 28 angel investments in early-stage and startup companies, the majority being based in Arizona.
“Bob’s considerable knowledge of angel investing and his analyst perspective to making diligent funding decisions make him the ideal fit to take over the helm of ATI,” says Goulka. “We look forward to having him spearhead ATI’s continued growth.”
“With over 100 members and investments of over $24 million in 94 companies, ATI is one of the pillars of the vibrant startup ecosystem we now have in the Southwest,” explains DeLean. “I’m eager to expand ATI’s impact and results by leveraging that solid foundation to find new ways to connect the increasingly diverse pools of potential angel investors and early-stage companies to each other.”
Current Chairman & Managing Director Goulka will be retiring at the end of December after leading ATI for 12 years, overseeing its growth from 22 members, three of whom continue today, to 108, who have made over 500 individual investment decisions in 115 investments rounds. ATI provides funding to early-stage and startup companies as well as advisory talent, strategic guidance, resource and partner referrals to help young portfolio businesses achieve the next level of growth and success.
About Arizona Tech Investors
Arizona Tech Investors (ATI) is an angel investing group founded in 2007 by Arizona-based investors committed to supporting capital needs of early stage and startup companies developing solutions in the SaaS, technology and life sciences sectors. With more than 100 accredited investor members nationwide, the 501c(6) organization includes a diverse cross-section of business, professional and community executives. ATI members have invested over $23 million across 94 companies, 70% of which are located in Arizona. For more information, visit www.arizonatechinvestors.com.