We (PixelEdge), in partnership with the Angel Capital Association, completed a year-long pilot of AP Catalyst, a pioneering program designed to create more paths to exit for angel-backed companies by connecting them and their investors with growth-oriented private equity (PE) firms. The inaugural showcase delivered immediate results:
"One of the PE firms following up with us already has deep relationships with the exact facility where we're running our pilot. Their industry connections could dramatically accelerate our market adoption—the kind of strategic partnership we couldn't have found through traditional channels." - CEO of a CleanTech startup
"What impressed me most was the caliber of the angel groups. This isn't just another startup showcase—it's creating a structured pathway to a source of dealflow that simply didn't exist before." - PE executive
"The relationships we angel leaders are building here will pave the way for more exits." - ACA Board Member
Based on these compelling results, we're expanding AP Catalyst from a pilot into a permanent program with quarterly events.
The gap between angel investing and private equity has historically meant missed opportunities for both sides—angels struggle to find exits for solid performers that aren't unicorns, while PE firms often discover promising companies only after they've entered competitive bidding. AP Catalyst addressed this by bringing together eight leading middle-market Private Equity and Growth Equity firms with over a dozen of the nation's leading angel investor groups.
AP Catalyst addresses fundamental challenges that have long frustrated both sides of the equation:
"I rarely make an investment where I didn't meet the company more than four years ago. You usually meet them once or twice when they're a little kid, and then they become a teenager, which is probably around the time we invest." - PE executive.
AP Catalyst creates exactly this kind of early visibility, giving PE firms the chance to track promising companies before they enter competitive processes.
The most significant outcome wasn't just immediate deal potential but the creation of an ongoing exit ecosystem.
"These angel group leaders are also networkers in their own communities, and now that I'm connected with them, this network is going to be really valuable," shared a PE partner.
The caliber of participating angel groups was particularly noteworthy, including some of the most active angel groups in the US.
Their involvement demonstrates the significant interest in creating more structured exit pathways for their portfolio companies. Our innovative format—pairing company presentations with 1-on-1 meetings with the angel groups backing them—received particular praise.
"It was powerful, it was brilliant." - PE Executive
Angels were a critical part of the event, but so were the carefully selected PE firms. We exclusively invited firms with strong reputations for treating entrepreneurs and angels well: Alary Capital, Capital 7, Carrick Capital Partners, Dunes Point Capital, Innovative Capital Growth Fund, The Riverside Company, Turn/River, and Wavecrest Growth Partners. Each brought unique investment criteria and a collaborative approach to the table.
In addition to the dealflow and chance to build relationships with angel group to facilitate future dealflow, executives also valued what they learned from the conversations:
"I always tell my team the best expert calls are actually calls with early-stage startups. Those are the people who are going to teach you about an industry because they're the ones thinking about it 24/7." - PE executive
AP Catalyst's proprietary Deal Portal, developed by PixelEdge specifically for this program, streamlined the connection process, allowing PE firms to efficiently review company information and make informed decisions.
"The Deal Portal app was better than many lists analysts provide me. It gave me all the information I needed to make my decisions, quickly," - PE executive.
Based on comprehensive participant feedback, this event was a success and worthy of expansion. In 3 months we'll host an Investor Showcase, connecting leading angel groups with carefully selected PE firms for 1-on-1 relationship-building. Then in 6 months, we'll hold another private company showcase where we'll bring in even more angel groups, PE firms, and angel-backed companies.
Whether you're an angel investor with portfolio companies seeking an alternative exit, a PE firm looking for proprietary deal flow, or a company seeking acquisition options, AP Catalyst offers a unique opportunity to participate in an emerging exit marketplace.
With all previous PE firms already committed to returning, secure your place in our next showcase at www.apcatalyst.com.
AP Catalyst was created in partnership with the Angel Capital Association, whose support was instrumental in bringing together such a diverse and high-caliber group of angel investors. We extend our sincere thanks to the ACA for their continued collaboration in building better exit pathways for angel-backed companies. Together, we're creating a structured bridge between the angel and PE worlds—one that will help more founders achieve successful exits and reward the investors who supported them from the beginning.
