From Fort Worth, Texas, Angela “Heli” Rodriguez Prilliman is a progressive 2026 Democratic candidate for United States Representative, in Texas’ 12th Congressional District.

Heli was raised in Stephenville, Texas, graduated from Texas A&M University, and is an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the Silicon Valley startup scene.

Heli is the founder of Lacquerbar & Lacquerbar U, an award winning nail salon and online education startup venture-backed by Backstage Capital, Precursor Ventures, Pipeline Angels, and Founder Gym. Out of ~1,900 applicants, Lacquerbar U was one of the first 24 startups selected to participate in the inaugural Backstage Capital Accelerator led by Arlan Hamilton. Heli was also part of the founding team at Fivestars, a software as a service company, that exploded to over ~50 million users within five years. Her work continues to help thousands of small businesses across the country get their customers back in their doors. Recognized by Y Combinator as one of their Top 100 YC Startups, Fivestars was acquired by SumUp (a European-based competitor to Square) in late 2021.

Heli also serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at FourthWave, a startup accelerator for women-led tech companies; as a Founder Mentor for Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition Futurists Program that funds bold ideas and companies led by Black and Latine entrepreneurs; and is the co-creator of The C Curve – an inspiring podcast for both nail technicians and the manicure enthusiasts who want to learn more about and advocate for the nail artists in our communities.