The Californer - Gulf South Angels and TCA Venture Group Announce Strategic Relationship to Accelerate Investment and Innovation

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IRVINE, Calif. & NEW ORLEANS - Californer -- Gulf South Angels (GSA) and TCA Venture Group (TCA VG), two leading investment organizations, are pleased to announce a strategic relationship to expand deal flow, enhance collaboration, share deep sector expertise, and leverage advanced tools and platforms for more effective investment decisions.

This relationship is an outgrowth of ongoing collaboration fostered through TCA VG's Angel Syndication Network. GSA brings unique expertise in medical technology and healthcare investing, with several practicing physicians among its membership, as well as expertise in advanced materials, consumer products, and fintech. This focus aligns well with TCA VG's strong portfolio in life sciences and medtech, along with its growing investments in general technology, AI/MLL, and other high-potential market segments.

"This partnership with TCA Venture Group marks an exciting evolution in our mission to support innovative startups, especially in the medical and healthcare space," said Mike Eckert, Chairman of GSA. "Our shared commitment to rigorous screening, founder support, and high-impact investing will benefit both our members and the companies we back. We're already seeing increased access to quality deal flow and cross-regional collaboration."

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"We're excited to welcome Gulf South Angels as a strategic affiliate," said Lisa Walker, Vice Chair of TCA Venture Group and the primary point of contact for this relationship. "This relationship enhances our ability to share vetted deal flow, co-lead investments, fund more companies, and expand our collective reach. By integrating our shared technology stack and leveraging AI for deal triage, we're building a stronger, smarter ecosystem for early-stage investing."

The groups will use their deal platforms to syndicate deals, share diligence, and engage their members across regions. Both organizations expect this relationship to lead to increased co-investment, faster decision-making, and broader support for entrepreneurs.

About Gulf South Angels
Gulf South Angels (GSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in Southeast Louisiana that has grown into a premier network of more than 150 accredited investors across 18 states. Since its founding in 2014, GSA has collaborated to evaluate, fund, and support early-stage companies across a wide range of industries, investing more than $28 million in 70-plus companies. The group connects innovative entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and strategic connections, and is recognized among the top 10% of angel groups in North America by the Angel Capital Association. Learn more at gulfsouthangels.org.

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About TCA Venture Group
Founded as Tech Coast Angels in 1997, TCA Venture Group (TCA VG) has invested approximately $300 million in more than 560 companies, attracting an additional $2.2 billion in capital. In the past six years, TCA VG has averaged $15 million in investment per year, and the return on all outcomes has been 5.5x and IRR of 22.4%. TCA VG is a key seed and early-stage funding source, with about 300 accredited investors in six member networks: TCA-Los Angeles, TCA-Orange County, TCA-Inland Empire, TCA Southeast, Pasadena Angels, and Pegasus Angel Accelerator. TCA VG members, including founders and business leaders, deliver more than capital — providing early stage companies with counsel, mentorship, and access to extensive networks. www.tcaventuregroup.com.