#USA #Fairfield #Clearcut Surgical #Frönen Foods #TaxRay

Angel Investor Forum Fund V Expands Its Portfolio

The Angel Investor Forum (AIF) has made a significant stride in supporting innovation by investing in three early-stage companies: Clearcut Surgical, Frönen Foods, and TaxRay. This announcement, made on January 20, 2026, highlights Fund V's commitment to nurturing startups with cutting-edge solutions and high growth potential.

Investments Overview

Each of the three companies received investments ranging between $150,000 and $200,000. This funding strategy is aimed not just at financial support but also at fostering partnerships that can enhance the companies' capabilities and market reach. Fund Administrator, Caird Forbes-Cockell, emphasizes that all three companies demonstrate substantial potential to push the boundaries of their respective markets.

Clearcut Surgical

Clearcut Surgical is a pioneer in the medical device sector, having developed an innovative device that integrates various surgical functions into one. This advancement aims to improve surgeons' visibility during operations and eliminate the risks associated with switching between different surgical tools, particularly the health hazards posed by smoke in the operating room. The funding from AIF represents one of the largest investments for this startup, totaling $650,000 when combined with contributions from individual members.

Frönen Foods

Frönen Foods stands out in the food industry by redefining indulgence with its clean-label, dairy-free frozen desserts. Crafted with real ingredients and devoid of artificial additives, Frönen's ice cream products have gained traction, being available in over 1,700 stores across the U.S., including major retailers like Sprouts and Whole Foods Markets. Their commitment to quality and transparency aligns with growing consumer demand for cleaner food options.

TaxRay

TaxRay addresses a pressing issue faced by multinational corporations: managing withholding tax regulations globally. This AI-driven platform integrates seamlessly into existing enterprise workflows, enabling companies to proactively identify and mitigate withholding tax overpayments. This is particularly relevant as U.S. tech industries face an estimated $48 billion in tax leakage annually.

Strategic Vision

Marty Isaac, President of the Angel Investor Forum, explains that Fund V was created to employ a disciplined approach to angel investing. By prioritizing startups with the highest growth potential, AIF seeks not only to enhance returns for its members but also to contribute to economic growth and innovation. This approach combines significant capital investments and the collective knowledge of AIF members, offering essential support to emerging companies.

Looking ahead, Fund V plans to invest an additional $200,000 in each of two more companies in early 2026, preparing for the initiation of AIF Seed Fund VI that aims to also invest in early-stage companies by Q2 2026.

Conclusion

The angel investment landscape continues to evolve with groups like the Angel Investor Forum leading the charge to support innovative startups. As these three companies embark on their journeys with AIF's backing, they represent the future of innovation across multiple sectors, including healthcare, food, and technology.

Founded in 2004, the AIF consists of over 100 accredited investors pooling their resources to empower startups across various industries, bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and the resources they need for scaling effectively. Visit AngelInvestorForum.com for more insights into their investment strategies and portfolio developments.