The Central Texas Angel Network, one of the country’s most active angel investing groups, named Claire England as its new executive director.
An Austin native, England, who previously served as director of global expansion for Tech Ranch, has a long history of supporting local startups. She also previously served as executive director of RISE Austin and serves as the Austin Chair for Startup America.
Brent Elyea, the previous director, left last October to join an early-stage venture capital fund. The CTAN board unanimously chose England after an extensive regional search, according to a news release.
“We are very excited to announce this appointment,” Rick Timmins, CTAN board chair said in a news release. “Claire brings a strong background in member development, community relations and nonprofit organization building to CTAN’s programs. She has a deep sense of commitment to Austin’s startup ecosystem and to angel investing. And she has served nonprofits at all program, fundraising, and executive levels, bringing significant perspective to our organization.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to continue supporting Austin’s startup ecosystem through this new role with CTAN,” England said. “Early-stage investment is key to the long-term vitality of our economy, and Austin is very lucky to have one of the top angel networks in the country based right her in our backyard.”
In addition, CTAN announced its first 2015 funding cycle deadline is Friday. Entrepreneurs may apply via the CTAN website.
CTAN members have invested more than $45 million in more than 100 companies since 2006. CTAN is one of the top five angel investing networks in the country.