First Check Happy Hour
First Check Happy Hour: Angel Investing at the Ground Floor
Angel Investing + Philanthropy
December 8 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Drinks & Networking
Couldn't make the morning session? Grab a drink with us instead.
You've spent your career giving back. You support causes you believe in, write checks to organizations doing good work, and care deeply about this region's future. What if your generosity could do even more?
First Check Happy Hour is the evening edition of our quarterly gathering for people ready to explore a powerful complement to traditional philanthropy — angel investing. Getting in at the ground floor of a promising local startup isn't just a financial decision. It's a community one. When local investors back local founders, the jobs, wealth, and innovation that follow stay here — and eventually flow right back into the causes you care about.
Over drinks, you'll get a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how angel groups actually work — how deals are sourced, evaluated, and funded, and how new investors can participate alongside more experienced angels from day one. You'll also hear what came out of this year's NorCal AngelCon Final Pitch Event and meet some of the angels who wrote their first checks in 2026. No prior investing experience required. Just a willingness to learn and a belief that community-driven capital can change a region.
Whether this is your first time considering an investment or you're simply looking for a more hands-on way to shape what's next for our region, this is your on-ramp — and a good excuse to close out the year with the people building it.
Drinks are on us. Bring a friend who's been curious about angel investing.
Hosted by NorCal AngelCon in partnership with the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State, Connect Labs by Wexford, Growth Factory, and Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hubs.
Accessibility: If any special accommodations are needed, please let us know at least two weeks in advance.