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Cowtown Angels, a program of TechFW, and the SWAN Impact Network have agreed to a syndication partnership that would bring together fragmented angel investment networks across Texas.
Ryan Brown
This initiative — led by Ryan Brown, CEO of TechFW, and Heather Gilker, North Texas Chapter Lead of SWAN — will create a more collaborative and efficient investment environment for startups and investors. SWAN is headquartered in Austin with chapters in North Texas and Houston.
Heather Gilker
“Our region is rich with investment potential, and we share a common goal: to invest in great companies that have the power to make an impact locally and beyond,” Brown said. “The way we have been doing it wasn’t as effective for startups as it could be. Founders were being sent on a ‘fundraising roadshow,’ pitching to each of us separately. We need to come together and simplify their search for funding.”
“I know firsthand how hard it can be knocking on different doors. As investors, we owe it to founders to work more collaboratively. If Cowtown Angels sees value in a deal, why shouldn’t other networks be part of that founder’s journey from the start?”
The collaboration allows angel groups to share knowledge, streamline the investment process, and trust one another’s ability to identify opportunities. For example, Cowtown Angels has five main criteria founders must meet to present, and most are common to other networks. This includes basics such as a strong management team, unique product with little competition, scalability, and an exit strategy.
“SWAN is focused on investing in visionary entrepreneurs for a better world that meet these same criteria,” Gilker said. “This partnership strengthens that mission by bringing more expertise and resources to the table, ensuring investors can make better, more informed decisions.
TechFW and SWAN directly support hundreds of companies annually through their respective programs and review hundreds of companies applying to present at their 12-15 annual forums.
Moving forward, the partnership will connect more investors to more startup companies sooner. When entrepreneurs pitch to Cowtown Angels or SWAN, the network will share qualified applicants, subject matter experts, research, and ultimately deal memos. The efforts of the founders and investing groups are greatly reduced.
Cowtown Angels recently announced a seed funding group, which represents a critical first step in TechFW's larger mission of supporting founders throughout their startup journey. By doing so, it brings to the partnership an earlier entry point for investors.
Together, there is an interconnected funding system from the earliest friends and family rounds to pre-seed and seed funding, all the way to angel investment and venture capital, building a stronger system to support new businesses in Texas and beyond.
“By working more closely with Cowtown Angels, SWAN’s goal is to further strengthen the Texas investment ecosystem, helping to nurture and support impactful innovation, stronger companies, and the economy,” Gilker said. “SWAN is pleased to be part of the ARPA-H Customer Experience Hub, as well as the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub.”
Eventually, connectivity to the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) is a possibility. It debuts in late 2025 or early 2026.
“One of my goals is to contribute to something as significant as the TXSE,” Brown said. “What we’re doing here — building trust, creating efficiency, and unifying investor groups — is helping Texas to continue its growth as a national powerhouse of entrepreneurial success and investment.
“If you are an investor or part of an angel network and want to be involved, this is the time to reach out. Together, we can build something that benefits startups and the entire investment community.”