The Angel Capital Association is proud to share a recent public-policy success that underscores the power of collective advocacy.

ACA joined more than 400 startup founders, investors, and business leaders nationwide in signing a bipartisan letter urging Congress to sustain funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF)—a cornerstone of America’s innovation economy.

That letter was delivered to every member of the U.S. House and Senate as Congress finalized FY26 appropriations. We’re pleased to report that the final budget, signed into law on January 23, largely avoided the severe cuts initially proposed. NSF received $8.75 billion in funding, preserving critical support for basic research, commercialization pathways, and workforce development.

This outcome matters to angel investors. NSF investments have played a foundational role in technologies that fuel early-stage innovation—from AI and advanced materials to additive manufacturing and the internet itself. Sustained federal research funding strengthens the pipeline of companies, talent, and ideas that angels back every day.

ACA’s participation in this effort reflects our ongoing commitment to advocating for policies that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term economic growth.

Read the full letter and learn more about ACA’s public policy priorities: https://angelcapitalassociation.org/public-policy-priorities/.