ACA, Angel Community, Mourn the Loss of Bill Payne

William H (Bill) Payne, the “Grandfather of Angel Investing” b. 4/25/1941 passed away peacefully on Dec 19, 2023 from dementia. Ann and family members were with him at the end. Bill Payne was an international expert in the angel investing asset class, after a successful career as an engineer, CEO and entrepreneur.

"Ann and Bill Payne are two of the kindest and most generous people I have met. Even though the ACA (and the angel investing industry) will continue to benefit from Bill’s many contributions, we will miss his intellect going forward as we think about expansion of the asset class and look for better ways to serve entrepreneurs, which was at the heart of why both Ann and Bill were so giving in so many ways," said Tony Shipley , Seed the Future Campaign Chair.

ACA Board Chair Dr. Ronald Weissman said of Bill: "It is hard to overstate Bill’s importance and influence. He was a continuous presence throughout our journey from a handful of organizations in the early '90s to today’s major force in startup innovation. He was a key member of that founding generation who turned a hobby into a profession and did it by pioneering angel education. And at its heart were the now universal smart practices he invented and often personally taught to new generations of angels."

At the kind request of Bill’s family, they’ve asked donations to be made to the Seed the Future Campaign in lieu of sending flowers. You may also consider donating to the Glacier Conservancy of Glacier National Park, or Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Read more about Bill's incredible life here. If you have further questions, please reach out to ACA CEO Pat Gouhin .

In Remembrance of Bill Payne: A Tribute to His Contributions in Angel Investing

In this heartfelt tribute episode, Marcia Dawood honors the iconic angel investor, Bill Payne, who passed away the week of December 20, 2023. Through a touching reflection on Bill's immense contributions to the world of angel investing, Marcia shares personal anecdotes and highlights Bill's pivotal role in shaping the landscape of angel investing. Using excerpts from an earlier episode featuring Bill, listeners gain insight into his journey into angel investing and his passion for educating and mentoring entrepreneurs and investors. Bill's unwavering dedication and wisdom leave a lasting impact, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the global community and a commitment to preserving his invaluable teachings. This tribute provides a touching exploration of Bill's journey and his unwavering commitment to educating, mentoring, and shaping the angel investing landscape, prompting a collective dedication to preserving and sharing his wisdom with future generations of investors and entrepreneurs.