The Band of Angels members enjoyed another insightful session on Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), where Brian Gormley, First VP at The Bankhead Group of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, discussed key updates introduced in July 2025. The new laws are designed to enhance investor benefits by increasing tax exclusion limits and broadening eligibility criteria for qualifying businesses. These changes aim to make QSBS more attractive, especially for those investing in early-stage startups. Big Thank You to Brian for sharing his insights!
Band of Angels Summer Dinner Party
Another unforgettable Band of Angels summer party in the books! A big thank you to Band Member Richard Pivnicka and his lovely wife Barbara Pivnicka for graciously opening up their beautiful home to host an evening filled with uplifting conversations, laughter, and truly delicious food and wine. It was a joy to see so many of our Members come together - reconnecting, building new bonds, and celebrating the spirit of this extraordinary community. These moments remind us of what makes the Band so special. Grateful for the energy, warmth, and camaraderie that made the night so memorable. Until next year!
Band of Angels Art of the Deal Seminar Hosted by Patrick Guerra
Big thank you to former Band member Patrick Guerra for sharing his decades long experience on Smart Angel Investing and how we can successfully navigate the pitfalls. He offered an analytical approach to early-stage investing, guiding angels through the key stages of the investment lifecycle: screening, due diligence, deal structuring, post-investment engagement ("the marriage"), and realizing returns.
Band of Angels Portfolio Day
Band members attended the 14th annual Portfolio Day — a long-standing tradition that allows us to reconnect with our portfolio companies and hear firsthand how they’ve grown since receiving investment from the Band. This year was particularly special, as we also celebrate the Band’s 30th anniversary. Thank you, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, for hosting and providing valuable insights during your keynote presentations.
Band of Angels Art of the Deal Session on The Taxation Treatment of SAFEs and Convertible Debt
Thank you to Partner and Vice Chair of Lowenstein Sandler LLC’s Tax Group, Lesley Adamo, who hosted Band Members with her insights into “Startup Financing: The Tax Treatment of Convertible Notes and SAFEs”. Tax characterization of such instruments is not always clear, and the use of these instruments could have a negative tax result for investors in the absence of efficient tax planning. We discussed the typical terms of SAFEs and convertible debt, key tax considerations, strategies to mitigate negative tax outcomes, and the relevance of Sections 1202, 1045, and other tax provisions.
