TCA Venture Group Unveils Ambitious Leadership Team for 2025
On February 12, 2025, the TCA Venture Group (TCA VG) made headlines with the announcement of its newly elected leadership team for the year. This year will see the organization led by Dave de Csepel as Chairman and Lisa Walker serving as Vice Chair. Their roles are pivotal as TCA VG aims to further its mission of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the angel investment community.
A Visionary Leader: Dave de Csepel
Dave de Csepel brings a wealth of experience to the helm, having spent over two decades as a serial entrepreneur. His past roles include being the Vice Chair of TCA VG in 2024 and holding the position of Chairman Emeritus at Pasadena Angels from 2019 to 2022. Under his leadership, the organization is expected to prioritize expanding the TCA VG brand, particularly through co-branding initiatives with other angel groups across the nation. De Csepel expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating,
"It’s an honor to lead one of the most prominent angel investment groups in the U.S. Our six networks, along with an angel accelerator group, aim to connect seasoned investors with visionary entrepreneurs, helping to shape the companies of tomorrow.”
Lisa Walker: Paving the Way for Women in Leadership
Lisa Walker, another trailblazer within TCA VG, is also a significant figure in the startup ecosystem. With more than 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship and investment, she became the first woman president of TCA-Orange County, serving in the role from 2022 to 2023. Walker's investment portfolio boasts successful exits through both IPOs and acquisitions. Her passion and expertise will be essential as she supports de Csepel in steering TCA VG towards new ventures.
Lee Gordon: Joining the Board of Governors
Additionally, the group welcomed Lee Gordon as the new president of Pasadena Angels, thus joining TCA VG’s Board of Governors. Gordon's diverse background includes legal expertise and a long-standing commitment to empowering innovation. His previous involvement with Pasadena Angels as the chair of the screening committee and participation in due diligence teams will enhance TCA VG’s governance. With his addition, the leadership team is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
Comprehensive Leadership Structure
The full leadership lineup of TCA VG showcases a blend of seasoned professionals, each with unique strengths and backgrounds:
- - Chair: Dave de Csepel
- - Vice-Chair: Lisa Walker
- - Past Chair: Sunny Singh
- - Treasurer/CFO: Volker Huether
- - Secretary/Special Advisor: Jeff Lapin
- - TCA-Orange County Network President: Pat Hwang
- - TCA-Los Angeles Network President: Parisa Khosropour
- - Pasadena Angels Network President: Lee Gordon
- - MEDA Network President: Elizabeth Cho-Fertikh
- - TCA-Inland Empire Network President: Mike Napoli
- - TCA Southeast Network President: Chris Fey
- - Strategic Fund Management: Dave Berkus and Ken Borkan
- - Partnerships: David Friedman
- - Marketing/Branding: John Harbison
This collaboration is designed not just to elevate TCA VG within the angel investing landscape but also to produce tangible growth and development for its affiliated startups.
About TCA Venture Group
Founded in 1997, initially recognized as Tech Coast Angels, TCA Venture Group has stood at the forefront of angel investment, amassing an impressive $275 million in investments across more than 560 companies while attracting an additional $2.2 billion in capital. With over 400 accredited investors in seven member networks, TCA VG is poised to continue being a vital resource for seed and early-stage funding. Beyond financial backing, TCA VG emphasizes the importance of mentorship and advisory support to guide emerging entrepreneurs toward success.
Stay connected with TCA VG through their official website and social media platforms to keep abreast of their impactful initiatives and achievements in the angel investment space.