We started #ANGELS in early 2015 and have invested in over 💯 startups. We’re proud to see many of these companies serving critical needs in 2020.
Here are 20 companies driving especially high impact in 2020:
💰 Anchorage provides a safe and secure way to store cryptocurrency online. As BTC is 📈 and more institutions look for ways to securely hold and trade tokens, Anchorage’s solution is a key piece of the 🧩 for the crypto ecosystem.
🏋🏾 Bold: Gyms have been shuttered yet it is important for seniors to still get physical activity. Bold offers at home fall prevention and fitness classes for the aging population.
✉️ Cameo: has been on a tear in 2020 as people have looked for fun and entertaining ways to connect with friends. CBInsights recognized them as one of their 50 Future Unicorns!
🧬 Color helps people understand their health through genomic testing and this year has been a critical partner for Covid19 testing. This one is also special to us as co-founders Elad Gil & Othman Laraki were long time colleagues at Twitter and it was the first company that all 6 of us invested.
🎥 Daily: As the world moved to video, Daily offers a simple way for health care providers, educators and remote work platforms to integrate video into their communities.
🎧 Fireflies.ai makes it easy to record meetings and search the audio later. As many people transitioned to all day Zoom meetings, this AI assistant helps make work more efficient.
🩺 Forward provides preventative primary care, powered by technology. In 2020, they expanded to San Jose, San Diego and Chicago and offered mental health assessments and Covid testing. We’re grateful for all healthcare workers and people innovating at these companies.
🗂 Gusto offers payroll and benefits to 100k+ SMBs. With so many businesses hurt from shutdowns this year, Gusto built a Covid19 Business Resource Hub to help.
🛒 Instacart helped people get groceries and other goods when many people couldn’t leave home during shelter in place orders. We’re especially grateful to the essential workers who delivered them 🙏 throughout 2020.
🎙 Clubhouse has created a space to share ideas and go deep in conversation. While we can’t gather in person or attend conferences this year, Clubhouse has made it possible to come together to learn, discuss, launch and build community through an innovative new audio experience.
📚 Literati: as many schools closed this year, parents have used Literati’s kids book clubs to bring educational and beautiful reading experiences home. They’ve just launched adult book clubs with Malala, Steph Curry, Richard Branson and more, so people of any age can enjoy.
🏀 Locker Room: Sports bring people together and in 2020, we needed that more than ever. LockerRoom allows people to join audio rooms and chat, debate and dissect all things sports.
🧸 Lovevery: Playgrounds have been shut down. Schools have been closed. Kids are spending more time at home than ever. Lovevery’s play products are designed for each of a child’s learning stages, giving parents the confidence that they’re parenting to the best of their abilities.
🖥 Mmhmm: We’ve now moved nearly every aspect of our lives to Zoom and the burnout is real. Whether you’re leading a business meeting, teaching a class or hosting a happy hour, the mmhmm app adds a little magic to your Zoom.
🏠 Pacaso: For many city dwellers with limited outdoor space, those fortunate enough to think about a second home have turned to Pacaso. With Pacaso, you can purchase a fractional ownership share in a vacation home for a much needed reprieve.
🍲 Shef: With so many restaurant workers impacted by Covid19, @Shef gives local cooks a new way to make a meaningful income from home by selling authentic, homemade dishes to their neighbors. With consumers seeking new types of delicious food delivered to their home, Shef has 📈 in 2020.
🙌🏽 Somewhere Good is a social platform designed for people of color to connect. In 2020, they focused on the online experience, bringing people together for healing, connection, culture, professional advancement, and more.
🧶 Twine: Instead of one more Zoom happy hour, Twine facilitates ‘deep networking’ conversations which were much needed in 2020. Their tools and templates make it easier to build real connections online.
❤️ Winnie helps parents find childcare and community as they navigate the challenges of raising kids. This was a critical need in 2020 as so many schools and daycares were shut due to Covid19.
🍎 Zero Grocery makes it easier for families to have a plastic-free lifestyle. Fresh groceries and everyday essentials are delivered to homes in reusable containers that can be returned.
A big takeway for us this year is that investing takes time, hard work and patience. If you are just starting out, keep supporting the teams you back through the early ups and downs. We are especially grateful to all the founders who let us be a part of their journey this year 🚀.
