About the Gulf South Angels
We know that success isn’t accidental; it’s cultivated.
Our mission is to unite a group
of active early-stage investors to:
Identify and assess early-stage companies for member investments.
Drive economic development and job creation through collective investment capital.
Meaningfully engage in the Gulf South’s early-stage ecosystem and beyond.
Support early-stage companies with strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to an expansive network.
Provide ongoing education to help members make informed, strategic investment decisions.
Who We Are
Our strength lies in the diversity of our perspectives and insights. We welcome both seasoned angels and those new to angel investing.
Gulf South Angels is an active angel investor network of 175+ accredited members that provides early-stage funding and mentorship to high-growth startups. Founded in 2014, the organization has invested $32M+ in 70+ companies over 143 funding rounds.
Our members independently choose to invest in high-growth ventures with clear paths to exit. Our goal is to advance angel investing in the Gulf South Region by providing trusted due diligence, national syndication opportunities, and a robust, diverse network.
For early-stage companies, we offer more than just capital—we offer expertise, connections, and a partnership committed to long-term success. Enhancing the investment landscape is not just civic-minded, it’s smart business. At GSA, we connect entrepreneurs and investors by pooling our resources, experience, and networks to foster growth and success.
How We Invest
Member-Led Investments:
GSA members have the flexibility to choose which companies they want to invest in and how much they wish to commit after the due diligence process. This hands-on approach allows members to handpick investment opportunities that align with their interests and goals, giving them control over their portfolios.
Sidecar Funds:
This approach provides exposure to a range of promising startups while spreading risk across multiple ventures, making it an ideal choice for those looking to invest alongside GSA’s experienced network without directly selecting each opportunity.
The GSA Team
Mike Eckert
Founder and Chairman
Mike Eckert was part of the founding team that launched The Weather Channel and Weather.com, where he served as CEO for 14 years. He has also chaired the Atlanta Technology Angels and served as a Fellow in Georgia Tech’s Venture Lab. His experience spans leadership, investment, and advisory roles across multiple industries.
Karen Flournoy
Manager of Administrative Services
Sam Felton
Investment Process Manager
Sam serves as the Investment Process Manager for Gulf South Angels, overseeing the investment lifecycle from early screening through post-investment portfolio management. He also forms and manages multiple Special Purpose Vehicles for the group. Prior to joining Gulf South Angels, Sam worked as a fellow at an agritech-focused venture capital firm, where he conducted market research and supported sourcing efforts. Earlier in his career, he gained experience in commercial real estate investing and raising startup capital.
Join the Network