About us - Birminghamvp

Welcome

about our tribe

it is all about pushing the limites!

They say the most effective way to foresee the future is to create it. We back and support the visionary founders dedicated to building a brighter tomorrow, starting today.

Doron York

” Become successful in venture investing, is when you realize that it is not much about financial calculations and crunching numbers, it is everything to do with human calculations – the deep understanding into the drivers of the human operating system, their thinking and acting habits. Its the people who are the ones who make it happen, or don’t.”

Built upon the foundation of driven business builders, relentless die-hard serial entrepreneurs, disrupters and forward-thinking innovators, CitySide Ventures operates as a high-octane venture group. As bold and ambitious investors, we possess the drive to explore opportunities more extensively and pursue a larger vision because we are willing to look deeper, wider and bigger.

At the heart of our investment platform is a clear and unwavering mission: we are dedicated exclusively to discovering, supporting, and funding technology companies that have the potential to scale. Our approach is intentionally broad—spanning multiple stages of growth, diverse industries, and a wide range of market verticals—so we can back groundbreaking ideas wherever they emerge.

What truly sets us apart is the way we manage our portfolio. Will do whatever it takes to make sure we succussed. We can be a bit hands-on and a bit “pain in your” … yet, we are doing it with love and inside our commitment

We don’t just invest and walk away. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, making it our mission to treat every company we work with as a genuine long-term partner. When we commit, we go all in—rolling up our sleeves, getting to know your team, and working side by side on the challenges that matter most.

Our commitment is bold and unwavering. It’s not just about putting in capital; it’s about showing up, supporting founders through the tough calls, and making sure every business we back has the resources, insight, and strategic guidance to reach its full potential.

our operating principles our guiding system!

01. Innovative & Forward Thinking

Doing what is right, as it is meant to be done thoroughly completely and without compromise, committed to business excellence.

02. Operational Integrity

Doing what is right, as it is meant to be done thoroughly completely and without compromise, committed to business excellence.

03. Visibility & Transparency

Doing what we do with complete visibility and transparency for all of our stakeholders, nothing hidden and everything is open.

04. Accountability & Responsibility

Building a solid investment portfolio that is highly profitable, take care of our investor’s capital as our own by exceeding their expectations.

05. Community Impact

Building a sustainable startup ecosystem that is thriving, growing and expanding rapidly while making positive economic impact.

it is not what we say, it is what our investors says that really count!

"Birmingham Angels provides exceptional access to innovative early-stage companies, particularly in Michigan. The monthly Investor Showcase features high-growth sectors like AI, defense, and women's health-tech. Using the proprietary SidePitch platform, investors can manage and view their portfolios with full transparency. This model offers high-value diversification for successful angel investing!"

Shailesh Topiwala

Foundation Member

“Being a member of Birmingham Angels has truly deepened our appreciation for angel investing. The behind-the-scenes effort involved is remarkable. CitySide Ventures provides a level of professionalism and diligence that gives me the confidence and peace of mind to know we are making sound investment choices. Since we have joining in 2019, we have already seen a 6X return on my capital. It is honestly quite incredible.”

eiconica Capital

Managing Partner

"After extensive research and evaluating numerous angel groups, I chose to join Birmingham Angels. The organization they have built is truly superior, with a team and technology that are unparalleled. I anticipate a very successful future for our group within Michigan, particularly in Oakland County, given its significant economic potential."

Andy Vasello

Member / Birmingham Angels President

"Having joined as a founding member in 2019, I continue to be thoroughly impressed by the caliber of startups presented and the professional manner in which CitySide has launched and scaled the group. My confidence in how my portfolio is managed is exceptionally high, and I am already realizing significant returns on my investments. For those based in Birmingham or Oakland County, I strongly encourage you to connect with this team."

Zeno Windley

Foundation Member

the investment Mindset the "Driver" anigma - the human factor!

This core philosophy is rooted in the belief that in early-stage investing, approximately 70% of the decision comes down to the individual behind the wheel. Our assessment is that a truly exceptional driver will succeed in any vehicle, under any conditions, and in any competition. While we can fix a car or find a new race, a great driver is a rare asset who possesses the essential personality traits—confidence, resourcefulness, and emotional intelligence—needed to navigate the high-stakes environment of a startup. We look for founders who demonstrate an elite professional operational mindset and the resilience to push through challenges, because a great driver always finds a way to win rather than finding excuses.

“Success in venture investing depends far more on human variables than on financial metrics. Ultimately, it is the caliber of the individuals that defines the organization, rather than the organization defining the people.”

Are you an exceptional driver? If that sounds like you, we invite you to apply; we are eager to connect and witness your capabilities firsthand.

01. The "Driver"

[The Founder(s)] - We invest in drivers, not cars. We will pick the driver regardless of what kind of car they drive. As long as it is street legal, – we are all in!

05. The "Car"

[The Business] - When it comes to scalable tech, we're pretty open-minded. However, there are a few areas we just won't touch: anything to do with cannabis, real estate, cybersecurity, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or any business that's immoral or illegal. If it doesn't fall into those categories and passes our vetting process, then it's fair game!

02. The "Race"

[The Market] - When it comes to how we invest, we're strictly sticking to Active Equity and Convertible Notes. We absolutely won't be investing in SAFE notes..