Airbnb alums start venture-capital fund

Former Airbnb Inc. employees have raised an early-stage venture-capital fund from backers with ties to the homesharing company and several outside investors.

New venture firm AirAngels is deploying a $20 million pool whose investors include Airbnb co-founders Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk, venture-capital firms, and individuals such as hedge-fund billionaire William Ackman, according to AirAngels cofounder Daniel Rumennik, a former Airbnb employee. Airbnb itself isn’t an investor.

AirAngels invests in technology-enabled companies and seeks those aiming to make a positive societal impact.

“We want to be inspired by companies with a mission,” Mr. Rumennik said.