Present your company to investors who speak your language.
Chemical Angels gives early-stage hard-science companies a single forum to reach experienced, accredited investors.
There is no application fee, and vetting happens as a group, so you never have to coordinate dozens of individual angel meetings.
Stage:
Pre-seed/Seed and early stage, with a go-to-market strategy and a defined path to revenue growth.
Markets:
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An innovative chemicals or materials component to the value proposition.
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Addresses a large and growing market with a scalable approach.
Structure:
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Preferred equity, post-money SAFE, or convertible note with a target return of 10x+.
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Lead investor identified.
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Premoney valuations should be under $20M
Team:
Trustworthy, resourceful, committed, complementary teams.
Geography:
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Investments can only be made in startups incorporated in the United States or Canada.
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The corporate entity for the investment must be a C-corp.
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Entries for corporate challenges may come from anywhere in the world.
Preferred Industries:
Agriculture
Biotechnology
Chemicals
Chemical Products
Materials
Climate Tech
Construction
Electronics
Instrumentation
Industrial
Energy
Medical Devices
Medical Equipment
Mining
Nanotechnology
Oil and Gas
Semiconductors
Transportation
What we look for:
CHALLENGE TOPIC
PLA innovations in 3D printing applications
Examples include, but are not limited to: improved material performance, novel formulations, expanded application capabilities, filament improvements, and printing technologies.
DETAILS
Challenge Prize
Depending on the winning technology, the prize can include a volume of PLA pellets at no cost, and/or advanced in-house testing if applicable — plus the opportunity to pitch to the Chemical Angels at a dedicated event.
Apply to the NatureWorks Corporate Challenge — PLA Innovations in 3D Printing
NatureWorks is the world’s leading producer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers, pioneering the large-scale commercialization of renewable, low-carbon plastics through its Ingeo™ platform. Since launching the first commercial-scale PLA production in 2002, the company has built unmatched manufacturing scale, integrated supply chains (from lactic acid to polymer), and a broad portfolio of high-performance PLA grades used across packaging, fibers, and durable goods.
In parallel, NatureWorks is a foundational leader in 3D printing filament—supplying the base resin behind a large share of the global PLA filament market. Its Ingeo PLA grades are widely used by filament manufacturers due to their printability, consistency, and tunable properties, and the company has developed specialized formulations (e.g., 3D-focused grades like Ingeo 3D850 and 3D450) specifically engineered for additive manufacturing performance.
Together, this positions NatureWorks not just as a materials supplier, but as an ecosystem driver—scaling sustainable PLA production while enabling innovation and growth across the 3D printing industry.
Do not submit confidential information
The Chemical Angels uses an efficient process to source, triage, evaluate and syndicate investment opportunities. The process is based on a monthly cycle with all activities occurring virtually.
Chemical Angels Application and Funding Process
Entrepreneur Resources
Explore guides, articles, and insights designed to help entrepreneurs prepare, pitch, and navigate the angel investment process.
The Only National Angel Network Built for Hard Science.
Pitch to Experts – 70+ members, mostly chemists and chemical engineers — your technology gets evaluated on its merits.
A Track Record in your Field – 60+ hard-tech startups funded across materials, measurement, and manufacturing.
Know Where you Stand – A defined path: introductory pitch → screening → formal presentation → diligence.
More than Capital – A national bench of sector expertise and mentorship behind every investment.
ON HOLD ≠ NO
Companies with network interest may be held pending a key milestone — an executed license, a lead investor, or a technical result.
We'll tell you what we're waiting on.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PITCH
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Customer need
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Value proposition
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Technology solution
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Path to market
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Patents and IP strategy
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Deal terms and lead investor(s)
WHAT WE EVALUATE IN DILIGENCE
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Management team — entrepreneur, team, investors, advisors
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Business opportunity — model, market size, customers
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Context — technology landscape, competition, trends, regulatory hurdles, IP
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Terms — deal terms and pricing
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Chemical Angels alignment — specific relevance or member experience
Do not submit confidential information
STEP 1
Apply
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Start your application at chemicalangels.com — select "Apply for Funding."
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Applications run through Gust, the online platform we use to manage deal flow.
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No application fee.
STEP 2
Introductory Pitch
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Open to all companies that apply.
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A 5-minute recorded elevator presentation with 4–6 slides, held monthly on Zoom.
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Your first opportunity to engage members.
STEP 3
Formal Presentation
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If your introductory pitch is favorable, you're invited back.
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A 30-minute slot: 15 minutes to present, 15 minutes of Q&A.
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Address the gaps raised in your introductory pitch.
STEP 4
Diligence & Investment
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The Chemical Angels Member Fund independently decides whether to recommend investment, and if so, conducts a vote of fund members.
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Members are polled on interest in investing and the amounts.
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Members agree to deal terms and commit funds.
One application.
Real decisions.
We use an efficient process to source, triage, evaluate and syndicate investment opportunities.
The process is based on a monthly cycle with all activities occurring virtually.