Sandra Laney, PhD

The Josephine Collective is a women-led group of angel investors co-investing small amounts (as little as $1,000 per deal) in early-stage startups across the United States. We help make angel investing accessible for all, but we are especially focused on helping women and people of color diversify their strategies and ease into a part of the investment world that can generate incredible returns. We do this by using a unique structure that allows us to invest in high potential startups with the lowest possible fee structure. For Investors Unlike an angel syndicate or venture fund, investors do not give the Josephine Collective funding to invest. Instead, we meet founders, learn about their visions, their market opportunities, their guiding principles and present them to our group of investors who individually decide whether they want to participate in an investment. When there is enough interest to meet the minimum check size, we make an investment in the startup, coming on as a single line on the cap table. This allows the Josephine Collective to: Access hot deals that individual investors may not be able to reach on their own. Protects founders from having too many investors on their cap tables (which creates both legal and financial burdens on both sides). Keep our operating costs very low, as we do not have to spend thousands on special purpose vehicles for each deal. Join our Angel Group For Founders We are a group of at least 51% women investors and people of color, bringing unique personal, professional, and funding perspectives to each deal we consider. For founders who care about representation on their cap tables, we are an excellent partner. But we’re more than just money. Many of our angels are founders, seasoned startup employees, service providers, and industry veterans with deep domain expertise to help connect you with the mentorship, talent, and potential customers you need to grow.

The Josephine Collective is a women-led group of angel investors co-investing small amounts (as little as $1,000 per deal) in early-stage startups across the United States. We help make angel investing accessible for all, but we are especially focused on helping women and people of color diversify their strategies and ease into a part of the investment world that can generate incredible returns. We do this by using a unique structure that allows us to invest in high potential startups with the lowest possible fee structure. For Investors Unlike an angel syndicate or venture fund, investors do not give the Josephine Collective funding to invest. Instead, we meet founders, learn about their visions, their market opportunities, their guiding principles and present them to our group of investors who individually decide whether they want to participate in an investment. When there is enough interest to meet the minimum check size, we make an investment in the startup, coming on as a single line on the cap table. This allows the Josephine Collective to: Access hot deals that individual investors may not be able to reach on their own. Protects founders from having too many investors on their cap tables (which creates both legal and financial burdens on both sides). Keep our operating costs very low, as we do not have to spend thousands on special purpose vehicles for each deal. Join our Angel Group For Founders We are a group of at least 51% women investors and people of color, bringing unique personal, professional, and funding perspectives to each deal we consider. For founders who care about representation on their cap tables, we are an excellent partner. But we’re more than just money. Many of our angels are founders, seasoned startup employees, service providers, and industry veterans with deep domain expertise to help connect you with the mentorship, talent, and potential customers you need to grow.

SJL Advising is a boutique philanthropy advising practice. We serve as a trusted thought partner, providing strategic guidance for H/UHNWI, Family Offices, Private Foundations, and more. Whats a Philanthropy Advisor? Think of it like this: A financial advisor helps your money make more money, and a philanthropy advisor helps your money make more meaning. Our approach at SJL Advising is not about prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution or pushing you toward any particular cause. Instead, we serve as your thought partner, guide, and facilitator in creating your heart hustle and a strategy for purposeful giving and impactful investing. For problem-solvers interested in science philanthropy, SJL Advising is led by a scientist with deep experience in science grantmaking. This unique background allows us to: - Bridge diverse worlds: science and humanities, innovation and tradition - Navigate the complexities of science philanthropy - Create local and global impact - Translate complex ideas into actionable plans - Bring innovative approaches to traditional philanthropy - Incorporate scientific thinking into any cause Our experience and ability to span different domains enables us to connect you with diverse experts and partners, ensuring your philanthropy has maximum impact. We understand best practices in giving and excel at bridging the gap between donors and grantees. We can navigate the complexities of science philanthropy. Our services are tailored to meet you wherever you are in your philanthropic and impact investing journey. Contact us today to start your journey in meaningful philanthropy at SJLadvising.com