About this Event
Hybrid in-person and video presentation by István Szanda
What really happens behind closed doors when investors evaluate a pitch? Why do some promising startups get funded while others—equally brilliant—walk away empty-handed?
The Hungarian Innovators Club cordially invites you to a high-impact evening designed to demystify the world of Angel Investing. This is not just a networking event; it is a rare opportunity to gain direct access to the decision-making criteria of Silicon Valley investors.
Are you ready to:
- Decode the "Black Box" of Funding: Learn exactly how investors think, what they look for in a team, and the red flags that K*ll deals immediately.
- Master the Evaluation Criteria: Move beyond the pitch deck and understand the real metrics and intangibles that drive funding decisions.
- Validate Your Go-to-Market Strategy: Discover how seasoned investors assess commercial viability and market expansion plans.
- Bridge the Gap Between Tech and Business: Learn how to translate complex R&D and science into a compelling investment narrative.
For Founders and Startups:For entrepreneurs planning to raise capital, understanding the investor’s perspective is not optional—it is a survival skill. This event will equip you with the "insider" knowledge needed to navigate the fundraising landscape with confidence and position your team to survive the scrutiny of professional investors.
For Aspiring Angel Investors:This event is equally indispensable for those considering the transition from operator to investor. If you are thinking of sitting on the other side of the table, you need to know how to look past the hype and assess the true potential of a team. This is your chance to learn the rigorous framework used by seasoned Angels to conduct due diligence, assess risk versus reward, and identify the subtle signals that distinguish a high-growth opportunity from a risky bet.
Our Presenter:
ISTVÁN SZANDA, Sand Hill Angels
István Szanda is a Growth Operator with over 15 years of experience driving revenue, culture, and innovation across health tech and medical devices. He has built and led cross-continental teams that turned R&D-heavy science into $200M+ product lines. With a proven record of tripling sales and steering P&L through supply chain shocks, István brings a dual perspective: that of a seasoned operator who understands the grit of building a business, and that of an investor at Sand Hill Angels, one of the most active and prestigious angel groups in the country.
Join us to get the unvarnished truth about what it takes to fund and find the next big innovation.
Hybrid in-person and video talk at 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 7 pm PST.
Brought to you by the Hungarian Innovators Club of Silicon Valley, and Éva Voisin, Honorary Consul.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, United States
USD 0.00








