We know we're not telling you anything new, but Silicon Valley offers entrepreneurs the most supportive ecosystem in the world! We believe that you'll find our exclusive Band partners to be some of the most successful, committed and passionate partners you could possibly align yourself with, which is why we're sharing them with you. Being a founder presents more than its fair share of challenges, and the greatest chance for success is often found in the support, knowledge, and resources that others can bring to the table.

If you don't already have relationships established with these partners, we definitely encourage you to reach out to them directly. These are firms who understand the challenges startups and entrepreneurs face on a daily basis, and these are the people who have helped hundreds succeed with much more ease than might otherwise have been possible. And, just so you know - Band of Angels' only supports partners whom we personally work with ourselves. This means that these providers are part of our own trusted network, and we hope that they'll be part of yours too!

Algentis simplifies operations for small and medium-sized businesses by assuming the burden of employee administration.

How we know them: Algentis was introduced to the Band by some of our contacts from Stanford. This firm immediately resonated with us as being the most comprehensive single provider that seamlessly integrates critical aspects such as medical benefits, payroll, 401K plans, HR compliance and workers' compensation insurance.

Why we recommend them: The last thing any of us have time for is keeping up to speed with the ever-evolving world of HR, yet as startups one of the most critical parts of success is the ability to attract and hire top talent. Algentis provides you with the edge needed to stand out amongst the crowd without the burden and headache of managing a complex HR department. Their foundation is built on honesty and integrity, with a commitment to never compromise on these principles. In our workings with them as our own complete service provider, we can assure you that this firm goes above and beyond when it comes to delivering knowledge, expertise and value that are critical for you and your team.

Learn more about their specialized services for startups here.

Foley & Lardner is a business law firm of 1000 lawyers in 22 offices throughout the world. They represent companies from start-up to Fortune 100 stage including Hewlett Packard, Raytheon, Nokia, Stanford Hospital, and Wells Fargo among others. A recent survey by BTI ranked Foley as the number one law firm in the US for client service. Among large national law firms, Foley, with over 250 IP lawyers, has one of the best intellectual property law practices in the country. We are also a leader in the use of technology including a state-of-the-art budget management tool and our matchmaker software. Our Silicon Valley Office represents start-up and emerging companies that are looking to rapidly expand domestically and internationally and the venture capital firms, angels and private equity groups that invest in them.

How we know them: Foley has introduced Band to some amazing technology companies over the years as well as provided Band with the most outstanding legal guidance and assistance on deals over the years.

Why we recommend them: Most companies are faced with mediocrity within larger law firms and are frequently frustrated with being handed off to dozens of people within a firm and nothing getting done in the process. Our experience with Foley & lardner has proven that it does not have to be this way! Foley & Lardner excel at providing high attention to detail, keen focus on the terms and deliverables while maintaining strong client-centric relationships - regardless of the size of the company or the billable hours involved.

Learn more about their firm and diverse international expertise here.

Wells Fargo Startup Services is new group within the Technology and Venture Banking division of Wells Fargo Bank that is dedicated to working with startup companies. The team is committed to helping founders and their teams achieve their goals through a diverse range of innovative financial solutions ranging from banking and insurance to payroll and investment banking. What sets this team apart from others in this space is their focus on driving value beyond just your typical business banking solutions, including assistance with fundraising, targeted introductions to investors (angels as well as VCs) as well as their ability to help you navigate Wells Fargo as a potential customer or distribution partner for your startup. Please contact Laurie Lumenti Garty, Head of Wells Fargo Startup Services at laurie.lumenti@wellsfargo.com or at (650) 855.7717.

PeopleConnect is a full service high tech executive search firm specializing in the recruitment and placement of experts in business development, finance, human resources, marketing, sales, as well as in scientific and technical positions.

How we know them: PeopleConnect has introduced Band to some outstanding candidates and technology companies over the years as well as assisted Band applicants in finding great people to add to their team that can help them achieve their projected growth.

Why we recommend them: Finding the right additions to your founding team is an extremely difficult challenge and one of the most important decisions that emerging companies are faced with. Ensuring that you have access to the strongest pool of candidates to help you in the next phase of growth is critical to you achieving the milestones set. PeopleConnect's unique Contingency Plus™ recruiting service provides the thorough research of a retained search without having to pay in advance. Furthermore, PeopleConnect is the only firm we've seen that helps startups who need to have great people on their team, but don't have the funding yet to be able to hire them. They have outstanding people who are willing to work for equity only, or equity plus commission, until a startup company has secured its next round of funding.

Learn more about their unique services for startups here.