Brain-Computer Interface Tech Raises $35M, Why Lobster Emojis Are Everywhere, and the Case for "Diligencing the Diligence"

Happy Thursday.

In today’s issue:

• Angel Deals of the Week | 137 Deals, 93 Networks

• Bookmarks I think you’ll enjoy

• The best nugget from my conversation with Alden Zecha, Managing Director of SideCar Angels

🔥 Angel Deals of the Week

Angel funding rounds announced in recent weeks, compiled from public sources. These deals represent the elite few that survived an angel network’s vetting process. Note: I have not personally analyzed these companies and am sharing for informational purposes only.

📊 Angel Network Investment Tracker: 137 Deals, 93 Networks.

Aleoop | AI-powered revenue intelligence platform

Participating Groups: Beacon Angels

Aleoop is developing an AI-powered platform that aggregates real-time data from sales call recordings, CRMs, and customer service software to synthesize revenue-driven engineering priorities. The company says its platform captures unstructured feedback from multiple sources and uses AI to surface patterns tied to revenue impact. Every signal is scored by urgency, frequency, and impact so teams focus on what matters most. Beacon Angels recently announced an investment in Aleoop to support the platform's growth.

Meghan Scanlon | New York, NY | January 2026 | Source

Neurable | Brain-computer interface wearable tech

Participating Group: Houston Angel Network

Neurable is developing noninvasive brain-computer interface technology that integrates EEG sensors into everyday wearables like headphones to track focus, mental fatigue, and cognitive recovery in real time. The company recently launched the MW75 Neuro LT headphones, which provide users with cognitive insights through a companion app that monitors brain performance throughout the day. Neurable recently secured $35 million from Spectrum Moonshot Fund and others, including Houston Angel Network, bringing total funding to $65 million. The funds will support commercialization of Neurable AI and expansion into gaming, research applications, and enterprise wellness markets.

Ramses Alcaide | $35M Series A | Boston, MA | January 2026 | Source

Escalante Golf | Boutique luxury golf operator

Participating Group: Ambassadors Impact Network

Escalante Golf is a family-owned operator of 25 private golf clubs, communities, and resorts spanning 17 states with over 10,000 members and 2,500 employees. Founded in 1991, the company operates properties across the country including The International in Bolton, MA, Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA, Canyata in Marshall, IL, and more. Ambassadors Impact Network members recently invested in the company's Escalante Lifecycle Fund, an internal debt facility funding capital improvements to enhance courses and facilities across the portfolio.

Fort Worth, TX | December 2025 | Source

📣 Have an Angel Deal to Announce?

🔖 Bookmarks

1. 🦞 What’s with the Lobsters: If you've started seeing lobster emojis everywhere, here's everything you need to know about the newest viral personal AI agent: Moltbot (formerly “Clawdbot,” but our friends at Anthropic did NOT approve).

2. US 250 Years in 5 Minutes: A refreshing perspective reset from a16z's newest partner Christian Keil on explaining modern America to a Founding Father.

3. The Screenless Startup: Pete Flint of NFX on the "Screenless Startup" - why the best AI products will win by removing the need for human attention altogether.

🥇 The Nugget: My Top Takeaway from A Conversation with SideCar Angels Managing Director Alden Zecha

Don’t forget to diligence the diligence 👀

Diligence reports are always biased. I would know - I’ve written a LOT of them and read even more.

These documents are extremely helpful when evaluating a deal, and it’s oh so tempting to jump straight into the good stuff: what’s the market look like, who are these people, what is the thing they’re building, what did this investor think of this or of that, etc.

That’s a mistake.

Each one is written with a specific investor’s thesis and overall context in mind. So, before digging in, it’s essential to stop to make sure the author’s context is well understood.

Takeaway: Before diving into any diligence memo, answer these three questions:

1. Who is this investor relative to this business? (Do they routinely invest in this sector/stage/geography?)

2. What's their primary motivation: pure ROI, economic development, social impact, or something else?

3. Does their lens align with mine - and if not, how should I adjust my read?

Want more? Check out my full conversation with Alden 👇

P.S. Interested in streamlining your angel group’s diligence process? After writing 200+ memos and diligence reports by hand, my team and I have spent the last 6mo building a simple tool to help angel groups do this 10x better. Reply and I’ll be happy to walk you through it.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

🕵️ Looking for an Angel Group?

Finding the right angel community can be tough.

Answer 12 quick questions and I’ll curate 3 groups you might enjoy.

Even better - if one of them feels like a fit, I’ll personally make the intro.

Until Next Week 👋

Thanks for reading - have a great week.

-Andrew

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