Who We Are

About Us

Pitch the Angels is a collective of private investors who commit their personal capital to early-stage ventures with bold ideas and strong growth potential. Founded in 2002, we’ve grown to include more than 40 members spread across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Gulf. We’re proud partners of major angel networks and investment groups across the globe. Our international reach is what makes us unique—we’re united in our mission to create value and uncover transformative opportunities.

Our team includes seasoned entrepreneurs, former executives, and thought leaders from diverse industries who are now focused on mentoring rising founders and shaping breakthrough companies. Startups benefit from our collective expertise in strategy, operations, technology, and global markets—giving them the foundation they need to succeed.

Powered by a Global Network

We collaborate with incubators, economic development boards, universities, banks, multinational companies, media groups, and angel communities across local and international ecosystems. Our partners range from innovation hubs to AI-focused institutions and tech festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

We recently celebrated our 20th year as a network of changemakers. Though we’ve expanded significantly over the years, we honor our roots and the early contributors who helped build our legacy. We especially remember the late Laurent Duret (1923–2020), one of our founding visionaries who helped establish the Valbonne innovation district, now one of Europe’s largest science and tech parks, home to thousands of professionals, researchers, and future-focused companies.

Leadership Team

Miguel Esteban

President

Miguel brings over 25 years of global experience in telecom, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. A serial entrepreneur and former executive at multiple multinational tech firms, he’s a recognized mentor and guest lecturer at top European business schools. He holds an engineering degree from the University of Buenos Aires and an MBA from INSEAD.

Sofia Laurent

Co-President

Sofia is a pioneer in satellite communications and digital infrastructure investment. She’s co-founded several international ventures and held leadership roles in AI and space tech funds. A former president of a major European angel network, she holds degrees from the Sorbonne, Stanford, and Vassar College.

Natalie Jennings

Communications Director

With more than two decades of experience in strategic marketing for high-growth tech firms, Natalie has led brand positioning for dozens of successful SaaS startups. She founded Momentum Partners, a consultancy serving mid-sized enterprises worldwide. She studied Psychology and Sociology at UCLA and completed graduate studies at UC Berkeley.

Deniz Kaya

Treasurer

Deniz has an extensive background in finance and accounting for tech startups and angel groups. He brings rigorous oversight to our financial operations and investment reporting.

Advisory & Executive Members

Marcel Matheson

President Emeritus and EBAN Board Representative

Marcel launched his own venture capital firm and is a co-founder of several investor alliances across North America. A former professor in molecular biology turned investor, he now advocates for sustainable investing practices. He holds a PhD from MIT and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

James Holt

President Emeritus

James is a deep-tech investor and former Arctic expedition leader turned entrepreneur. He’s helped build angel networks across Europe and created a specialized investment fund in AI, cybersecurity, and climate tech. Educated at Cambridge and Wharton.

Julien Fournier

Founding President and Lifetime Achievement Winner

Julien is a dual-based (Paris & San Francisco) investor in AI and enterprise software. Founder of SignalCore, his innovations target misinformation and digital safety. He began his career in aerospace engineering and holds a master’s from Supaero and an MBA from HEC Paris.

Victor Brousseau