Nonprofit startup funder Arch Grants didn’t have to go very far to find its next leader. Arch Grants said Thursday it is promoting from within to fill the role of executive director.
Gabe Angieri, who has been Arch Grants’ director of development for the past five years, has been appointed executive director. He replaces Emily Lohse-Busch, who earlier this year stepped down as executive director. Angieri had been interim executive director of Arch Grants following Lohse-Busch’s departure at the end of February.
“I’m thrilled to take the helm of Arch Grants. The work is vitally important, the impact meaningful and my excitement about the organization has never been greater,” Angieri said in a statement. “Arch Grants has spurred significant economic growth over the last ten years through the dynamic, innovative entrepreneurs we support. Working in partnership with the St. Louis community which has stepped up since day one, I’m confident we’ll go even further in our next decade of impact.”
Since its launch in 2012, Arch Grants has awarded equity-free grants of $50,000 to 207 startups through its annual startup competition, with the nonprofit funding a record number of startups in its 2021 contest. It also has expanded to help its portfolio companies with the launch of new programs, such as its Growth Grants initiative that provides $100,000 in follow-on funding to former Arch Grants winners that are based in St. Louis.
Arch Grants conducted a national search to find its new executive director and said Angieri emerged as the obvious choice. In a press release, the organization said Angieri has been “responsible for unprecedented support and growth from key donors and influencers throughout the St. Louis region” during his tenure as nonprofit’s director of development.
“This is the next chapter for Arch Grants’ impact on the economic development of our region,” said Jerry Schlichter, co-founder and chairman of Arch Grants. “After reviewing a robust pool of highly qualified candidates, we unanimously concluded that Gabe stood alone above the field as a steward for our continued commitment to St. Louis. We are fortunate to have Gabe to lead us forward to an even greater success.”
Arch Grants is currently accepting applications for its 2022 Startup Competition. Applications are due by April 15. Arch Grants expects to fund around 20 to 25 startups with $75,000 grants through its 2022 competition.
Arch Grants had announced in January that companies awarded grants in 2022 through its annual startup competition will receive $75,000 in equity-free funding for their businesses, up from the $50,000 the nonprofit has doled out through the contest in past years. It also will now provide startups that are relocating with $25,000 to help fund their move to St. Louis.
