- Who are the Tech Coast Angels?
- Tech Coast Angels (TCA) is the largest angel network in the U.S. and the number-one source of startup funding in Southern California. TCA members have invested more than $65 million in more than 100 companies and have helped attract more than $650 million of additional capital, mostly from venture capital firms.
- What is TCA Mentorship?
- TCA members are investors who are experienced in building start-up companies and who want to lend their assistance to the UCLA community. This is an invaluable opportunity for anyone who has a technology with which they would like to turn into a company. A TCA mentorship will consist of up to 3 mentoring sessions where you will receive personalized counseling for your technology from an expert who is knowledgeable in your field.
- What do TCA members provide as a mentor?
- Mentorship is customized to the needs of the participant, and therefore will be unique for each case. Some sample topics of how TCA can help you to find answers to the following fundamental topics for your specific technology can be found by clicking the link. Click here for the topics.
- When is the application deadline?
- We have 2 application deadlines per year. Usually in May and November. Keep checking our website close to those dates for announcements.
- Will there be another chance to apply for mentorship?
- Continuation of the program depends on the success of the current rounds. Please apply now if you are interested.
- How many applicants will be chosen for mentorship?
- The program is currently in a trial phase and the number of participants is limited to 5. However, we are hoping to increase this number after a successful trial period.
- Where may I find mentors’ areas of expertise?
- Although we do not have a comprehensive list of each TCA members’ expertise, you can get a good idea of the diversity of TCA expertise by viewing the backgrounds of select members, on the TCA website. This can be accomplished by clicking their names and reading their biographies on the seminar information page. Please note that we will consider a large pool of TCA members, including many that are not listed, when investigating suitable matches for mentorship applicants.
- How much does mentorship cost?
- The application and mentorship counseling are both free.
- Who can apply for mentorship?
- Any UCLA student (undergraduate, graduate, or post doctoral) can apply for mentorship, with or without a faculty member on their team.
- Any UCLA faculty member can apply as long as they have a student on their team.
- If you do not fall into these categories, please contact us
- If I complete Phase 1 of the application and am accepted into Phase 2, am I required to complete the remainder of the application?
- Yes. You’re required to complete the paperwork needed for Phase 2 in order to receive mentorship counseling (Phase 3).
- Can I start working on Phase 2 of the application before hearing back from TCA?
- Yes! In fact, completing this section early will accelerate the application process and you may have the opportunity of starting mentorship earlier, if selected.
- Can undergraduate students apply?
- Yes. Additionally, Phase 2 of the application is simplified for undergraduate students since University policy states that undergraduate students automatically own their own intellectual property. Therefore, all technology developed by an undergraduate student will be approved for a University Nonassert.
- What are the criteria for receiving approval for a University Non-Assert?
- Response from UCLA OIP: A non-assert is issued when the university releases intellectual property rights to the inventor. More specifically, a non-assert applies if all following three circumstances have been met:
- Invention not developed using gift, grant or contract research funds administered through the university;
- Invention not developed using university research facilities (i.e., laboratory equipment, reagents, materials – a desk/computer is usually considered de minimus or insignificant for purposes of triggering ownership);
- Invention not created within the course and scope of university employment.
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