For angel investors, meaningful engagement often extends beyond capital. For Richard Sudek, that engagement has taken the form of hands-on mentorship with some of today’s most promising deep tech founders.

As an advisor to the New Mexico Lab Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NM LEEP), Sudek has spent the past several years working alongside early-stage companies tackling complex challenges across industries including AI, quantum computing, advanced materials, energy, and space systems.

“Working with deep tech startups as part of the New Mexico LEEP program has been some of my most rewarding mentoring and startup involvement of my angel career going back to 2000,” Sudek shared. “These companies are building next-generation technologies that challenge the status quo across industries. I encourage others in our community to get involved in supporting these entrepreneurs.”

Accelerating Deep Tech at the Earliest Stages

Operated by Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM LEEP is a two-year fellowship designed to help founders transition breakthrough technologies from concept to commercialization.

The program provides a unique combination of financial support, technical resources, and investor access—without taking equity. Selected founders receive:

• A competitive stipend and healthcare benefits
• A travel allowance to support customer and investor engagement
• Direct access to world-class research facilities and scientists
• Structured business curriculum and mentorship
• Connections to investors and industry leaders

This model enables founders to focus on building and scaling transformative technologies while leveraging one of the most advanced research ecosystems in the world.

Measurable Impact in a Short Time

NM LEEP has already demonstrated strong outcomes. In just the past three years:

• Participating companies have raised more than $44 million in follow-on funding
• Two founders were named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list
• Portfolio companies have expanded teams, adding dozens of new jobs

These results underscore the growing importance of programs that support deep tech innovation at the earliest stages—where technical risk is high, but potential impact is even greater.

A Call to the Angel Community

Programs like NM LEEP highlight the critical role angel investors can play beyond writing checks. From mentorship to network access, experienced investors help founders navigate commercialization, refine strategy, and accelerate growth.

For those looking to engage with cutting-edge innovation—and support founders tackling some of the world’s most complex challenges—NM LEEP offers a compelling opportunity.

Applications are open till May 8, 2026. The final selection will take place in September 2026, and the new cohort will be onboarded in January 2027. Go to NMLEEP.com or email nmleep@lanl.gov for more information.