About ATIF
The Arizona Technology Investor Forum (ATIF) is an active community of accredited investors who invest in early-stage technology companies based in Arizona. ATIF was founded in 2007 and has quickly become an important resource for new technology ventures that are the future of our local economy. ATIF maintains close relationships with all the major universities in Arizona, with other angel investing groups and private equity investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneur organizations.
We are committed to providing a forum where high-potential entrepreneurs can present their deal terms to serious, engaged Arizona investors. Since May 2007, ATIF members have invested over $2.3 million in Arizona-based technology ventures that have presented at ATIF meetings.
Our investment focus is Arizona-based technology companies seeking $100K to $2M investment in a wide range of industry sectors, including software, medical devices and services, consumer Web, green technology, and biotechnology. We will consider companies from outside the region, but have a preference for deals with strong ties to Arizona.
Over 75 ATIF members, guests and partners attend four Investor Meetings a year in Tempe, Arizona to view presentations from leaders of the selected ventures. Three promising Arizona-based technology ventures are selected to present at each meeting. Although the deal flow and group meetings are facilitated by ATIF, members invest individually with presenting companies.
ATIF is a member of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), which is a professional alliance of angel groups. We use the Angelsoft online deal-flow and portfolio management tool for accepting submissions, tracking and collaborating on early-stage investments.
ATIF History
Dr. Thomas Duening founded ATIF in 2007 bywhen he was Director of Entrepreneurial Programs at the Ira A Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University. ATIF grew to be a success due to Tom’s leadership, energy and passion for entrepreneurship. In mid-2009, Tom moved from ASU to become the El Pomar Chair of Business & Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He remains involved with ATIF as an emeritus Board Member.
In October 2009, ATIF became an independent non-profit organization no longer directly under the aegis of the ASU Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. ASU remains a major partner of ATIF. ATIF maintains close relationships with all the major universities in Arizona, with other angel investing groups and private equity investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneur organizations. We continue to expand our relationships to support the best deal flow for our members and to provide a funding resource for promising Arizona companies.
