$10.6 million invested in 2025 + 18% vs. 2024: NYA News - January 2026Including interviews with NYA's Larry Ng and Beth Schinkel, Co-Founder and CEO MIMB
New York Angels wrapped up 2025 with $10.6 million in investment, an 18% increase vs. 2024. New York Angels wishes you and all of the early-stage ecosystem a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
In 2025, New York Angels Members invested $10.6 million across 36 companies.
DECEMBER INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Integrated Reality Labs brings excitement, competition, and connection to everyday life by transforming classic neighborhood games - like tag - into real world massively multiplayer competitions. Their Integrated Reality Technology Platform combines outdoor games with features from online games (i.e., MMOs) to bring people together in real life. NYA Angels Members first met IRL Co-Founder and CEO Lauren Steidl in 2024 and have now invested for the second time. Deal leads for IRL are Michael Costa, Sukriti Chadha, and Dennis Ngai.
MegaMinds is an AI-powered learning platform that uses 3D environments and in-world AI tutors to increase engagement in today's students. MegaMinds provides real-time data to track progress as it happens and helps teachers bring learning to life with safe, student-facing AI simulations that build critical thinking, communication, and real-world skills. Sixty-seven perecent of students using MegaMinds’ AI tutors reached or exceeded grade level in just 10 weeks - compared to 22% in the control group. NYA Members Josh Powe, Alyssa Tam, and Greg Kocher the deal.
myBiometry is a platform used to remotely monitor and manage patients with chronic conditions using software and biomarker data generated from their patented sensor. Their proprietary digital health tool helps people with asthma and COPD stay healthier by catching early signs of trouble. myBiometry has shown consistent revenue growth, reflecting its expanding user base and attractive opportunity. Anthony Gellert and Mike Brennan were the deal leads for this follow-on round.
Nestment is helping the next generation of Americans achieve homeownership through accessible, creative pathways and wealth-building strategies. Their real estate platform and dedicated one-on-one guidance make it easy for first-time buyers to purchase real estate by integrating the disconnected ecosystem of financing, education, and service providers into a single, confidence-building path. Anne Friberg and Josh Powe managed this deal on behalf of NYA Members
FOUNDER SPOTLIGHT
As a dietitian and neonatal intensive care unit nurse, Beth Schinkel co-founded Mother’s Milk Is Best to help better feed premature babies. Working directly with premature infants, Beth saw a clear unmet need, and that experience ultimately led her to develop a medical device to remove a small amount of water from breast milk to concentrate its nutrients. Beth shares how New York Angels recognized the potential in the pre-market concept, working with NYA Member Ray Farrell as a Board Observer, and how living through tough environments makes her stronger as an entrepreneur.
PORTFOLIO NEWS
COPYLEAKS
Copyleaks was recognized by Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business Awards in the Best AI Implementation category. In addition to the company recognition, Copyleaks co-founder and CTO, Yehonatan Bitton, has been named one of Inc.’s Business Leaders of the Year. Read Press Release
PORTFOLIO NEWS
SOCURE
Socure acquired Qlarifi to establish the first unified identity, anti-fraud, and BNPL credit infrastructure. This enables consumers to build credit responsibly through BNPL repayment and reduces first party fraud losses for lenders and merchants by up to 70 percent. Read About Acquisition
NYA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As a serial entrepreneur involved with four FinTech companies (Wall Street Systems, Tradeweb, MarketAxess, and Moneyline Telerate), two of which are now publicly traded and two that exited to strategic buyers, Larry Ng has no shortage of experience. Being an entrepreneur mentor in FinTech Innovation Labs, Jeff Seltzer and other NYA members personally asked Larry to join New York Angels in 2017. Outside of angel investing, Larry developed Abby the Pup, which has provided millions of children around the world with free public domain education materials for preschool. In this interview, Larry shares about his non-profit as well as discusses the benefits of the NYA sidecar fund and how startups often fundraise too prematurely.
NYA MEMBER EVENT YEAR-END TAX PLANNING
NYA Members gathered in December to discuss year-end tax planning for both individuals and businesses. The session, led by Withum tax partner Daniel Krolikowski, focused on managing tax brackets, timing income and deductions, modeling across multiple years to optimize after-tax results, and understanding changes introduced by the OBBBA. Learn More About Withum's Tax Services
MEMBER NEWS
ESTHER DYSON
In this intimate conversation, StartUp Health Co-founder Unity Stoakes sits down with StartUp Health Impact Board member and NYA Member Esther Dyson to explore her forthcoming book on term limits, abundance, and what it really means to live a meaningful life in an era of superintelligence. Watch Full Interview on YouTube
TECHNICAL.LY SEE THE U.S. REGIONS GETTING THE MOST ANGEL FUNDING
In angel investing, regions with the highest number of deals are concentrated in traditional hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City and Boston, but deal volume alone does not reveal how much funding actually stays local. When looking at “hometown focus,” New York City invests only 36% in local companies, while 64% is invested in other markets. Regional investment patterns matter for strengthening local startup ecosystems and offers insight into where angels are fueling growth beyond simply counting total deals.
UPCOMING MEMBER MEETINGS
Investment Forum (Hybrid):
• January 26th (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Screening (Hybrid):
• February 9th (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
FOUNDER DEADLINES
March Screening Application:
• February 15th
*New York Angels, Inc. ("NYA") is a not-for-profit corporation that is funded by membership dues for individuals and/or entities that NYA has designated as members as well as from certain sponsors. Its purposes include providing administrative support to its members. NYA does not invest in companies. Investments, if made, are made by individual members of NYA.
