
Connecting Angels and Founders in the District
Our network is our competitive advantage. By working together, we create more value than any of us could create alone.
About
The District Angels Mission
District Angels was founded on the belief that the nation's capital has the potential to be a world-class startup ecosystem. The DMV is one of the most dynamic and under-leveraged startup ecosystems in the country. With its unique concentration of policy makers, government contractors, international organizations, and top universities, the DMV region is uniquely positioned to produce innovative companies that can scale globally.
Our network brings together successful entrepreneurs, former executives, and seasoned investors who understand both the opportunities and challenges of building companies in the VA, MD, and D.C. markets. We curate investment opportunities and offer strategic guidance, industry connections, and the collective wisdom of our community.
At District Angels, we see the DMV as a launchpad for startups that are solving real problems with deep expertise, diverse perspectives, and scalable ambition.
Our Values
Growing a stronger startup ecosystem in the DMV
Radical Transparency
We believe trust is built on honesty. From deal terms to founder updates, we communicate openly and clearly. No gatekeeping, no fine print.
Community-Driven
Our strength is in our collective. We co-invest, learn, and grow together, backing bold ideas and each other.
Low Ego
We lead with curiosity, not credentials. Every voice matters, and no one has all the answers.
Broad Access
We break down barriers so more people can participate in shaping the future.
Learning Ethos
We’re building informed investors. Whether it’s your first check or your fifteenth, we offer the tools, guidance, and support to help you invest with confidence.
What We Do
Building a better way to angel invest
We make investing more transparent and community-driven. Angels in our community get visibility into high-quality deals, can learn from others, and co-invest with confidence. Our Slack channel welcomes angels from various syndicates.
We create shared infrastructure for diligence. Our Venture Fellows support deal research and memo-writing - so members save time while making better-informed decisions.
We bring new energy into the ecosystem. We’re helping unlock the next generation of investors by cultivating talent that is values-driven. We believe who writes checks shapes what gets built.
We syndicate signal, not just capital. We actively collaborate with other angel groups, VC's, universities, and founder networks to drive collective momentum and early conviction so more great companies get funded faster.
Managing Directors
Managing Directors
Meet the leadership behind District Angels. Our Managing Directors bring deep experience across venture capital, startups, government, and tech, and are committed to growing a thriving investor community in the DMV and beyond.

Co-Founder/Managing Director
Sriram Gollapalli
Managing Director
Brandon Kortokrax
Managing Director
Michael King
strategic Advisors
Strategic Advisors
Our Strategic Advisors offer invaluable insight at the intersection of policy, technology, and early-stage investing. They help guide our vision, expand our network, and support founders and fellows with real-world expertise.
Strategic Advisor
Ashtan Moore
Strategic Advisor
Michelle Urben
Strategic Advisor
Kevin Morgan
Core Team
Core Team
Our team combines expertise in venture capital, tech, finance, and entrepreneurship. We're dedicated to fostering growth for innovative startups through strategic insights, industry connections, and collaborative partnerships.
Co-Founder/Co-Lead
Naviya Kothari
Co-Lead
Blaire Rakowicz

Partnerships Lead/Multi-Hat
Lucas Pham
Deals Co-Lead
Joseph Whang
Deals Co-Lead
Abdul Khan

Deals Co-Lead
Jeffrey Vique
Investor Relations Lead
Darius Clair

Fellowship Co-Lead
Charlotte Clark
Fellowship Co-Lead
Mahamadou Jaganna
Growth & Marketing Co-Lead
Daniella Flores
Growth & Marketing Co-Lead
Victoria Adofoli
Growth & Marketing Co-Lead