Frequently Asked Questions

The DAS Group stands out due to its:

• Non-Fund Structure: Investments are made through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), allowing investors to choose investments from $10,000 to $1,000,000+ per SPV.*

• Unmatched Network: A decade-long track record and global deal flow in dentistry allow access to exclusive, high-value investment opportunities, often at below-market valuations.

• Community-Driven Approach: Monthly “Meet the Founder” pitch sessions, member voting, and collaborative debriefs ensure informed, collective decision-making by leveraging the collective expertise of our community.

• Expert Advisory Services: Matches industry experts as advisors, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), or board members to startups, fostering growth.

• Accessibility: Low investment minimums and flexible structures for both individual and institutional investors.

• Investment Opportunities: Access to oral health and medical startup investments via SPVs, with investment sizes from $10,000 to $1,000,000+.*

• Advisory Services: Matching dental professionals as advisors, KOLs, or board members with startups, including managing vesting schedules and agreements.

• Networking: Monthly “Meet the Founder” pitch sessions, exclusive events, and connections with industry leaders, M&A strategists, and manufacturing/distribution contacts.

• Community-Based Decision-Making: A collaborative approach where members review pitches, vote, and discuss opportunities to drive informed investment decisions.

To join, interested individuals pay a one-time $5,000 admittance fee. The first 100 “Pioneer Members” are eligible for a one-time 10-year membership agreement. Future memberships will likely be charged annually. This grants membership status, providing priority access to early SPV offerings, vetted deal flow, and prioritized matching for advisorship roles.

Membership includes:

• Priority Access: Early access to SPV offerings and deal flow.*

• Advisory Opportunities: Prioritized matching as an advisor, KOL, or board member with startups.

• Exclusive Events: Participation in monthly “Meet the Founder” pitch sessions and internal debriefs.

• Reduced Fees: Negotiated lower success fees for ongoing and future deals, plus a reduced 15% carried interest for paid members.

• Community Engagement: Access to a member portal for reviewing pitches, voting, and collaborating with other investors and industry experts to shape investment decisions.

• No Management Fees: Only a 15% carried interest for paid members applies, unless otherwise arranged.

No, The DAS Group does not charge a management fee. The only financial structure is a 15% carried interest for paid members on investments, unless a different arrangement is negotiated.

The DAS Group welcomes committed strategic investors, dental professionals, and individuals passionate about advancing oral health and healthcare longevity. Members typically include industry experts, investors, and key players from the investment community, such as M&A strategists and manufacturing/distribution leaders.

The DAS Group is not a fund. Investments are facilitated through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). SPVs are legal entities that pool investor funds for a single startup investment, allowing members to:

• Choose which startups to invest in.

• Invest amounts ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 per SPV.*

• Benefit from the community’s collective insights through collaborative pitch reviews and debriefs.
  For institutions, direct investments of $250,000+ into contracted companies are available via Stock Purchase Agreements (SPAs).
  *Our SPV offers are for accredited investors only.

The minimum investment per SPV is $10,000, making it accessible to a wide range of accredited investors. Larger direct investments of up to $1,000,000 per SPV or more (via SPAs for institutions) are also available.

Startups go through a rigorous selection process:

• Smart Pitch Intake: Startups submit a 5-minute pitch via the DAS Group’s platform.

• Member Review: Pitches are uploaded to the member portal, where members review business models, founder assessments, and deal terms, then vote using a thumbs-up/thumbs-down system and provide comments.

• Pitch Selection: The two highest-rated startups are invited to present at the monthly “Meet the Founder” pitch session.

• Pitch Session: Founders deliver a 15-minute pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A, allowing members to assess the opportunity.

• Debrief: Members and invited observers discuss the pitches in an internal Zoom meeting, leveraging the community’s expertise to analyze opportunities and portfolio updates for informed investment decisions.

The DAS Group focuses on early-stage startups in oral health and selective medical platforms. Past investments include:

• Velmeni: FDA-approved in September 2024, developing 3D diagnostic tools and back-office automation for dental clinics.

• DentlyTec: Scaling distribution partnerships in North America, researching AI-powered imaging and modernized perio-probing.

• OralBioLife: Planning an e-commerce launch in 2025, with positive feedback on post-surgical products.

• Ditron USA: Launched a tissue-level implant with over $200,000 in presold sales, achieving virtual break-even.

• Pair Dental: An early investment by DAS co-founders, powered by Cloud Dentistry, focused on staffing solutions for dental specialists.

The DAS Group’s decade-long track record and global network attract unparalleled deal flow. The syndicate negotiates deals at below pitch deck valuations or secures exclusive opportunities. The community-based approach, including member voting and collaborative debriefs, ensures only top-tier startups are selected for pitch sessions.

The DAS Group provides comprehensive advisory services, including:

• Matching: Connecting dental professionals with startups as advisors, KOLs, or board members.

• Agreement Management: Setting up advisory agreements, including vesting schedules, for a small fee.

• Strategic Guidance: Leveraging the expertise of members and founders to support startup growth.

These services ensure startups benefit from industry expertise while advisors gain meaningful roles.

Networking opportunities include:

• Monthly “Meet the Founder” Sessions: Members connect with founders, ask questions, and gain insights into startups.

• Internal Debriefs: Collaborative discussions with members and invited observers (e.g., M&A strategists, manufacturing leaders) to shape strategies and explore partnerships.

• Member Portal: A platform for reviewing pitches, sharing feedback, and engaging with the community.

• Exclusive Events: Access to industry leaders and key players, fostering connections that drive innovation.

These monthly Zoom-based pitch sessions feature two top-rated startups selected by member voting. The format includes:

• 15-Minute Pitches: Founders present their startup’s vision and business model.

• 5-Minute Q&A: Members ask questions to assess the opportunity.

• 40-45 Minute Duration: Covers both pitches.

• Post-Pitch Debrief: An internal meeting where members and observers discuss pitches, analyze opportunities, and update on portfolio companies, leveraging the community’s collective expertise.

Replays and founder decks are available in the member portal post-event.

Attendees include DAS Group members, invited observers (e.g., heads of organizations, M&A strategists, manufacturing/distribution leaders), and occasionally other key investment community players. These diverse perspectives enhance discussions and open new collaboration opportunities.

Members can:

• Rate pitches via thumbs-up/thumbs-down voting in the member portal.

• Submit comments or questions for founders during the review process or post-pitch.

• Participate in debrief discussions to share insights and shape investment decisions collaboratively.

The DAS Group was co-founded by:

Dr. Shervin Molayem: A periodontist with a DDS from UCLA and a Periodontics specialization from USC. He founded the UCLA and USC Journals of Dental Research and focuses on minimally invasive treatments and the oral-systemic health connection.

Dr. Arash Hakhamian: An award-winning dentist with a DDS from USC and AEGD from UCLA. Known for his work with disabled patients and global philanthropic efforts, he teaches advanced clinical procedures.

James Naka is the Membership Director for The DAS Group. With 15 years in dentistry, including roles at Darden Dental Supply and Benco Dental Supply, he supports membership engagement and facilitates connections within the syndicate’s network.

The fee structure includes:

• Admittance Fee: A one-time $5,000 fee for membership (10-year agreement for the first 100 Pioneer Members; future memberships likely annual).

• Carried Interest: A 15% carried interest for paid members on investments, unless otherwise negotiated.*

• No Management Fee: No ongoing management fees are charged.

• Advisory Service Fees: A small fee for managing advisory agreements and vesting schedules.

• Discounts: Members receive discounts on fees and negotiated lower success fees for future deals.

SPVs are legal entities created to pool investor funds for a single startup investment. SPVs allow investors to select specific startups, invest flexible amounts, and maintain autonomy over their investment decisions.

Yes, DAS investors receive discounts on fees for SPV participation and benefit from negotiated lower success fees for ongoing and future deals as members, along with a reduced 15% carried interest for paid members.

Past investments include:

• Velmeni: FDA-approved in September 2024, developing 3D diagnostic tools and back-office automation for dental clinics.

• DentlyTec: Scaling distribution partnerships in North America, researching AI-powered imaging and modernized perio-probing.

• OralBioLife: Planning an e-commerce launch in 2025, with positive feedback on post-surgical products.

• Ditron USA: Launched a tissue-level implant with over $200,000 in presold sales, achieving virtual break-even.

• Pair Dental: An early investment by DAS co-founders, powered by Cloud Dentistry, focused on staffing solutions for dental specialists.

Current opportunities are presented through monthly “Meet the Founder” sessions, where two top-ranked startups pitch to members. A featured opportunity includes Perceptive IO, a “dental robot” innovating in oral health technology. Specific details are available in the member portal, including business models, founder assessments, and deal terms.