Nevada’s consumer internet startup scene is on the rise, driven by innovation and a growing demand for online platforms and services. With Las Vegas at the heart of this growth, the state's favorable tax policies and increasing focus on entrepreneurship have made it a startup hub.
But, it wasn’t just the government that contributed to this amazing growth. Behind the curtains, there was a force that always helped Nevada to keep accelerating in the startup race. A force, we often describe as angel investors.
In this blog, we’ll spotlight the top angel investors in Nevada who are fueling the expansion of consumer internet startups.
Get To Know The Top Angel Investors in Nevada Who Invest in Consumer Internet
Denis Grosz
- Focused Sectors: Consumer Internet, Mobile, Local Advertising, Advertising Platforms, Ad Targeting, Advertising Networks, Deals, Coupons, Advertising, Mobile Advertising, Mobile Games, Retail, Food and Beverages, Water, Social Games, Fantasy Sports, Casual Games, Social Television, Small and Medium Businesses, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Biotechnology, Information Technology
- Present In: Nevada
- Notable Investments: Smart Asset and Thumbtack
Denis Grosz is a seasoned angel investor known for his strategic investments in early-stage startups. He has been funding startups since 2010, focusing on ventures that show strong potential for scalability and innovation.
Moreover, Denis Grosz has worked with multiple VC and private equity firms, including notable roles at CRV (Charles River Ventures) as an advisor and at DFJ (Draper Fisher Jurvetson) as an investment consultant.
To date, Grosz has funded over 25 startups. His investment range falls between $50,000 to $500,000 per startup.
Raymond Sidney
- Focused Sectors: Internet, Enterprise Software, Health Care, Information Technology, mHealth, Software, Advertising Platforms, B2B, Digital Marketing, Marketing Automation, SaaS, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Financial Exchanges, Financial Services
- Present In: Nevada
- Notable Investments: Mix and Meet
Raymond Sidney is a prominent angel investor, known for his background in technology and focus on startups that leverage innovation to disrupt industries. Sidney, a Google employee in its early days, became an angel investor around 2005.
Like most other angels, Sidney typically invests in early-stage startups, including seed and Series A rounds. He rarely works with traditional venture capital firms, preferring to operate independently and take a hands-on approach with the startups he funds.
He seeks companies with strong leadership, a clear and scalable business model, and a product that offers long-term value to its customers. In total, Sidney has funded around 15 startups. His investment range lies between $100,000 and $600,000 per startup.
Tony Hsieh
- Focused Sectors: Enterprise Software, Mobile, Internet of Things, Internet, Enterprise Security, Security, Big Data, Analytics, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, SaaS, Computer, Health Care, Software, Consulting, Information Technology, Financial Services, FinTech, Real Estate, Advertising Platforms
- Present In: Nevada
- Notable Investments: Pando and Asana
Tony Hsieh, best known as the visionary CEO of Zappos, was also a passionate angel investor focused on fostering innovation and community-driven businesses. Hsieh began investing in startups in the mid-2000s, often focusing on companies that aligned with his values of customer-centricity, creativity, and community building.
He was known for spearheading the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas through his Downtown Project, a $350 million initiative aimed at transforming the area into a hub for tech startups and innovation. This project also allowed him to host community events, workshops, and pitch competitions to encourage entrepreneurship.
Likewise, Hsieh didn’t work directly with VC or PE firms. Over the years, he funded around 20 startups and has an average check size of around $300,000.
William Lohse
- Focused Sectors: Consumer Internet B2B, E-Commerce, Marketplace, Retail, Wholesale, Banking, Data Integration, Financial Services, FinTech, Payments (Mobile Payments included), SMB (Small and Medium Businesses), Architecture & Design (including Industrial Design and Interior Design), Logistics, Billing, Software (including PaaS - Platform as a Service), Cloud Security, Cyber Security, Information Technology
- Present In: Nevada
- Notable Investments: Smartnews and Beanews
William Lohse is also an active angel investor with a focus on early-stage startups in the technology and consumer sectors. He was the founding partner at Joyance Partners and Software Venture Partners.
When funding startups, Lohse invests in companies that demonstrate a strong potential for growth and scalability, with a focus on innovative ideas that can disrupt established markets. He looks for startups with strong leadership, a clear vision, and the ability to quickly gain traction in the market.
Lohse has a background in publishing, having founded and run Ziff-Davis Publishing’s software division. His investment range is between $50,000 and $250,000 per company.
Rob Roy
- Focused Sectors: Developer APIs, Information Services, Information Technology, SaaS, Software, Data Mining, Enterprise Software, Professional Services, Text Analytics, Advertising, Internet, Data Center, Virtualization, Real Estate, Content Creators, Content Marketing, Digital Media, Health Care, Wellness, Cloud Infrastructure, Communications Infrastructure, Cloud Management, Content Delivery Network, Film
- Present In: Nevada
- Notable Investments: Tracky
As an active investor for the last 2 decades, Rob Roy is a prominent name in the investment community. With an entrepreneurial background, Roy began funding startups in seed and Series A rounds, where his capital and mentorship can have a significant impact on the company's growth.
Unlike many investors, Roy has not been formally associated with traditional venture capital (VC) or private equity (PE) firms but instead built his career as a self-made entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and CEO of Switch, a technology infrastructure company.
To date, Rob Roy has funded over 20 startups, often seeking companies with the potential to disrupt industries and create long-term value. His investment range lies between $50,000 to $500,000.
What Do Investors Want To See In A Pitch Deck?
Creating a pitch deck that resonates with investors is the most important but also the most difficult part of an investor meeting, especially if it’s your first time.
Investors look for specific elements to determine if a startup is worth their time and money. Here are some of those elements listed:
1. A Clear Problem Statement
Investors want to know that your business is solving a real, pressing problem. In your pitch deck, define the problem your target audience is facing. The problem should be significant enough to justify a new solution, and investors need to believe it is the one that many people or businesses are dealing with.
2. Your Unique Solution
Once you've outlined the problem, the next slide should demonstrate how your product or service solves it. Investors want to see that your solution isn’t just another version of what's already available, but something that offers added value or a fresh perspective.
3. Market Opportunity
A great idea needs a great market. Investors want to know if there’s a large enough market for your product to be profitable. Include data that shows the size of your market, growth potential, and the trends driving its expansion.
4. Business Model and Revenue Plan
Your pitch deck should clearly explain how your business will make money. Investors are looking for a sustainable and scalable business model. Lay out your revenue streams, pricing strategy, and key metrics such as customer acquisition costs and lifetime value.
5. Go-to-Market Strategy
How do you plan to acquire customers?
Your go-to-market strategy should detail the tactics you’ll use to reach your target audience and grow your customer base. This can include marketing channels, partnerships, and sales strategies. Investors want to see that you have a clear, actionable plan to enter the market and scale your business.
6. Strong Team
Do you know the most common investor line?
Well, they always say “We invest in people as much as we invest in ideas”. Highlight your team’s expertise, experience, and passion. Explain why your team is uniquely positioned to execute this business plan and scale the company.
Wrap-Up:
In conclusion, Nevada's angel investors play an important role in shaping the growth of consumer internet startups, offering not only capital but also valuable guidance and industry connections.
If you’re a founder seeking funding, let us help you with some important final tips as quoted by famous investors.
During an interview, Mark Suster once said, “The best entrepreneurs are the ones who are constantly learning.” This shows that instead of acting arrogant or stubborn, you should embrace feedback and be adaptable to succeed in this dynamic landscape.
Plus, the famous venture capitalist Paul Graham also quotes: “The most important thing is to have a great idea and to be able to express it clearly.” This reflects the importance of not just having an idea but also having a strong pitch deck to present it effectively.