1766 Labs Team

7 posts on the 1766 Labs blog

Why Alumni Angel Networks Consistently Outperform Open Syndicates
Investing·6 min read

Why Alumni Angel Networks Consistently Outperform Open Syndicates

Data from 15 years of angel investing shows alumni-based groups generate 2.6x better returns than open syndicates. Here's why — and what it means for how you invest.

December 15, 2025
Seed Fundraising in 2026: Exact Numbers, Real Benchmarks, No Fluff
Fundraising·8 min read

Seed Fundraising in 2026: Exact Numbers, Real Benchmarks, No Fluff

We analyzed 847 seed rounds closed in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. Here are the actual medians, not the aspirational numbers you see on Twitter.

January 20, 2026
A Honest Guide to Angel Investing: What Nobody Tells First-Time Angels
Investing·9 min read

A Honest Guide to Angel Investing: What Nobody Tells First-Time Angels

Before you write your first check, here's what $100M+ in angel exits taught us about the math, the psychology, and the mistakes that cost people real money.

February 10, 2026
How to Actually Value a Pre-Seed Startup (With Real Math)
Investing·7 min read

How to Actually Value a Pre-Seed Startup (With Real Math)

Forget theory. Here's the actual decision framework experienced angels use, with specific numbers from 2025-2026 deals and the exact math behind dilution.

February 5, 2026
SAFE Notes Explained: What Every First-Time Founder Needs to Know
Fundraising·14 min read

SAFE Notes Explained: What Every First-Time Founder Needs to Know

SAFEs are the most common fundraising instrument for pre-seed and seed rounds. Here's how they work, with real examples.

January 10, 2026
The New Jersey Startup Ecosystem: A Complete Guide for Founders
Ecosystem·15 min read

The New Jersey Startup Ecosystem: A Complete Guide for Founders

NJ is quietly becoming one of the best places to build a startup. Here's the complete guide to the ecosystem, funding, and resources.

February 25, 2026
How to Write a Pitch Deck That Gets Funded: 12-Slide Framework
Fundraising·16 min read

How to Write a Pitch Deck That Gets Funded: 12-Slide Framework

We've reviewed 200+ pitch decks from our network. Here's the exact 12-slide framework that wins over angel investors.

March 3, 2026