Marcia Dawood: Angel Investor, Author, and Advocate for Impactful Innovation
In the world of early-stage investing and entrepreneurial growth, Marcia Dawood stands out as a visionary leader who bridges the gap between capital and innovation. She is an angel investor, TEDx speaker, podcast host, author, and Associate Producer who has dedicated her career to helping people “do good while doing well.” Through her work with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Angel Capital Association, and global investment networks, Dawood has shaped the way angel investing is perceived and practiced. Her mission is not only about financial returns but also about empowering individuals and companies to create meaningful change.
Early Career and Foundation
Before entering the world of investing, Marcia Dawood built a strong foundation in business strategy, operations, and education. She spent over 16 years at Kaplan Higher Education Corp., holding leadership positions in operations, admissions, and marketing. During her tenure, she oversaw job placement for more than 20,000 graduates and played a pivotal role in compliance and professional development programs across dozens of campuses.
Her business acumen, sharpened through years of corporate leadership, set the stage for her transition into the startup and venture ecosystem. Dawood earned her MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School in the global OneMBA program, further equipping her with international insights into entrepreneurship and finance.
Transition into Angel Investing
Around 2012, Dawood entered the world of angel investing, a turning point in her career. She joined BlueTree Allied Angels, later co-founding investment funds that supported early-stage companies. Since then, she has invested in over 50 startups and funds, spanning industries such as clean water, healthcare, technology, and mission-driven ventures.
Her focus has always been clear: leverage capital to support businesses that tackle global challenges while producing strong financial results. This dual focus on profit and purpose is what she defines as “doing good while doing well.”
Leadership Roles and Influence
SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee
In May 2023, Dawood was appointed Chair of the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, an influential body that provides the SEC with recommendations on policies affecting small businesses and startups. Her role ensures that early-stage investors and entrepreneurs have a voice in shaping regulations that directly impact innovation.
Angel Capital Association
As Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), Dawood has been instrumental in growing the largest professional society of angel investors in North America. ACA represents more than 15,000 angel investors and supports over 10,000 entrepreneurial companies. She also co-founded the Growing Women’s Capital Group within ACA, designed to syndicate deals and channel more funding into women-led companies.
Mindshift Capital and Golden Seeds
Dawood is a Venture Partner at Mindshift Capital, an investment firm focusing on early-stage companies with a gender-lens investing strategy. She is also a Managing Director with Golden Seeds, one of the most active angel networks in the United States, which has invested millions into women-led ventures.
Media, Advocacy, and Public Presence
Author: Do Good While Doing Well
In September 2024, Dawood published her book Do Good While Doing Well: Invest for Change, Reap Financial Rewards, and Increase Your Happiness. The book outlines her philosophy on angel investing, blending personal stories, practical guidance, and a framework for individuals to use their money for positive impact.
TEDx Speaker and Podcast Host
In 2022, Dawood delivered a TEDx Talk in Charlotte, sharing insights on democratizing investing and empowering individuals to become angel investors. She is also the founder and host of The Angel Next Door Podcast, where she explores the behind-the-scenes world of angel investing, interviews entrepreneurs, and demystifies how startups grow.
Film and Media Work
Expanding beyond finance, Dawood served as an Associate Producer of the documentary Show Her the Money, which premiered at the Women’s Film Festival in Philadelphia in 2023. The film highlights the struggles and triumphs of women entrepreneurs seeking capital, aligning closely with her advocacy for diversity in funding.
Personal Life and Family
Marcia Dawood’s professional journey is complemented by her personal story. She lives between New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Izzy, and is a proud stepmother to three sons. She often shares that their blended family thrives on respect and open communication, values that mirror her professional ethos of collaboration and inclusivity.
Awards and Recognition
Dawood’s contributions to the investing world have not gone unnoticed. In April 2025, she received the Hans Severiens Award, one of the highest honors in the angel investing community, recognizing her leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing early-stage investment.
Philosophy: Doing Good While Doing Well
At the heart of Marcia Dawood’s work is her belief that capital can be a force for good. She advocates that angel investing should not just be about financial gain but also about supporting companies that solve real-world problems. By combining profitability with purpose, she demonstrates how investors can increase their happiness while making meaningful contributions to society.
She also educates aspiring investors to approach early-stage investing carefully, often advising that individuals allocate only 5–10% of their net worth to this high-risk, high-reward asset class. This practical, measured approach makes her guidance accessible to a wide audience.
Online Presence
Marcia Dawood is active across multiple platforms where she shares insights and connects with audiences:
-
Website: marciadawood.com
-
Podcast: The Angel Next Door
-
Social Media:
-
Twitter: @MarciaDawood
-
Instagram: @marciadawood
-
LinkedIn: Active with thought leadership and updates
-
Conclusion
Marcia Dawood is more than an investor; she is a catalyst for change. Through her leadership at the SEC, her investments with Mindshift Capital and Golden Seeds, her advocacy at ACA, and her media contributions, she embodies the power of aligning financial returns with social good. Her journey shows that angel investing is not reserved for a privileged few—it can be an accessible, impactful path for anyone willing to learn and participate.
As she continues to educate, empower, and invest, Dawood’s influence will undoubtedly shape the future of mission-driven investing and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and angel investors.
