About
Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) was assembled by a group of angel investors as part of the WV Hive initiative to address a critical gap in access to early-stage capital in West Virginia. The network focuses exclusively on supporting innovation-based companies in the state, with a stated mission to help restore the regional economy through strategic equity investments. CRAN's investment thesis centers on backing underserved entrepreneurs and founders in West Virginia who have struggled to secure traditional venture capital. The network has demonstrated activity across diverse sectors including business products and services, media and information services, and medical devices, with verified portfolio companies including Plug-In Promotions, Growmentum, and Endolumik. As a member-based angel network, CRAN brings together individual accredited investors who pool expertise and capital to evaluate and support early-stage ventures. The organization positions itself as a source of not just capital but also business guidance and resources to help portfolio companies reach subsequent funding milestones. By investing locally and focusing on innovation-driven businesses, CRAN aims to create both financial returns for its members and broader economic development impact for West Virginia. The network operates within a collaborative ecosystem, as evidenced by co-investment activity with other angel groups and venture firms. For entrepreneurs, CRAN offers access to experienced investors with regional market knowledge; for investors, the network provides deal flow, due diligence support, and portfolio diversification within an economically strategic region.