Top 10 Angel Investors in Santa Barbara (2025)

Last Updated: June 04, 2025

Total Investments

313

Successful Exits

45

Active Investors

56

Top Investors in Santa Barbara

Introduction to Santa Barbara's Investment Ecosystem

Santa Barbara has emerged as a vibrant ecosystem for startups and angel investors. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most active and successful angel investors in the Santa Barbara area, based on their investment history, portfolio performance, and industry expertise.

Introduction to Santa Barbara's Investment Ecosystem

Santa Barbara has emerged as a vibrant ecosystem for startups and angel investors. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most active and successful angel investors in the Santa Barbara area, based on their investment history, portfolio performance, and industry expertise.

How We Selected Top Santa Barbara Investors

Our rankings are based on several key factors:

  • Number of investments made
  • Successful exits
  • Industry diversity and expertise
  • Team size and experience
  • Market presence and reputation
Profile photo of Rincon Venture Partners

Rincon Venture Partners

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 79
Exits 16
Team Size 0
Industries Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital

Background & Investment Philosophy

Rincon is an early-stage venture capital firm targeting investment opportunities in web-based businesses.

Jim Andelman

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 49
Exits 0
Team Size 0
Industries

Background & Investment Philosophy

Jim is co-founder and Managing Director of Bonfire Ventures and Rincon Venture Partners. In this capacity, he is responsible for driving the...

Notable Investments

Earnest Research
Fuel50
Sideqik
HG Insights
Archer Education
Comparably
Profile photo of Avant Global

Avant Global

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 31
Exits 5
Team Size 0
Industries Venture Capital, Business Development

Background & Investment Philosophy

Avant Global is a leading business advisory and venture capital firm headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA

Profile photo of Cycad Group

Cycad Group

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 23
Exits 5
Team Size 1
Industries

Background & Investment Philosophy

Cycad Group is a venture capital firm focusing on equity investments in early to intermediate stage technology companies.

Profile photo of ScOp Venture Capital

ScOp Venture Capital

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 15
Exits 3
Team Size 0
Industries

Background & Investment Philosophy

Venture Capital firm specializing in pre-growth SaaS companies

Profile photo of Investment Group of Santa Barbara

Investment Group of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 13
Exits 4
Team Size 0
Industries

Background & Investment Philosophy

Investment Group of Santa Barbara (IGSB) is a private investment company that manages both venture and public equity portfolios.

Brett Queener

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 13
Exits 0
Team Size 0
Industries

Background & Investment Philosophy

Brett is a Partner at Bonfire Ventures. His entire career has been focused on growing software companies -- fast. From 2013-2016, Brett serv...

Notable Investments

Trustpage
Spekit
Integry
Cube
ClearedIn
Bevy
Profile photo of Engel Ventures

Engel Ventures

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 12
Exits 1
Team Size 0
Industries Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital, Angel Investment, B2B

Background & Investment Philosophy

Venture investment company that invests in and supports technology and positive impact companies.

Craig Tooey Courtemanche

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 7
Exits 0
Team Size 0
Industries

Background & Investment Philosophy

Craig "Tooey" Courtemanche is the Founder and CEO of Procore. More than a decade ago, Tooey leveraged the power of the Internet to improve c...

Notable Investments

Arcol
VERSATILE
HighRadius
Offsight
Celonis
Squire
Profile photo of Gideon Hixon Fund

Gideon Hixon Fund

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Investments 7
Exits 0
Team Size 0
Industries

Background & Investment Philosophy

The Gideon Hixon Fund utilizes and expands on the experience of 6 generations of family business.

Key Findings

  • Average investments per investor: 5.6
  • Most active sectors: Finance, Venture Capital, SaaS, SMB Software, Financial Services
  • Success rate (exits/investments): 14.4%

The Future of Santa Barbara's Investment Scene

The Santa Barbara angel investment landscape continues to evolve and grow. These top investors have demonstrated consistent success in identifying and supporting promising startups. Whether you're a founder looking for investment or an aspiring angel investor, these individuals represent some of the most knowledgeable and active participants in the Santa Barbara startup ecosystem.

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