My Friend, Craig W. Dye

[Gary Freedman]

Here's the latest on my friend, Craig Dye. He's come a long way since I first met him. I, on the other hand, have turned inertia into an art.

The University of Maryland, College Park, has named Craig Dye to head its angel investing group.

Dye will lead the Capital Access Network, which joins together angel investors with early-stage companies for deals worth up to $1.5 million. The network is part of the university’s Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship in the Robert H. Smith School of Business.

The group is one of a few angel networks in the region. As venture capital investors have moved to bigger, less risky companies, angel investors have become more important to young companies looking for cash.

Dye has more than 20 years of investing experience. He was previously an adviser for the Affinity Lab, a business incubator in Washington, D.C.; founder of technology firm Wheelhouse Networks; and chief information officer for Hogan & Hartson law firm.

Another angel group, the Baltimore Angels Network, launched earlier this year.