For Entrepreneurs

Fund Overview

The 1855 Capital Fund is a $10 million fund that provides seed and early stage venture capital to Penn State affiliated startups. 

Individual investment size will typically range from $100K to $500K and we would typically expect a meaningful ownership share for such an investment (10%-50%).

Broad Industry Focus

While we do not discount any idea on the basis of industry or area of business, we look for companies in the areas of:

  • Information Technology
  • Advanced Materials
  • Fintech
  • Edtech
  • Healthcare and Medical Devices
Seed Fund Investment Targets

Helping Penn State Affiliated Startups

1855 Capital focuses on companies with roots in Penn State’s world-class research and educational environment. Our team actively engages with current faculty, staff, and students, as well as Penn State’s vast alumni network, to find startups positioned near the center of the diagram above.

In short, we look for exceptional ideas combined with a capable and committed management team. To help your startup meet its potential, we’ll help you leverage the expertise, resources, and support of:

  • Penn State and the 19 Commonwealth Campuses
  • Ben Franklin Technology Partners
  • 1855 Capital’s Network of Limited Partners
  • Over 700,000 Penn State Alumni

Focused on the Penn State Community

Our offices are located in State College, PA, which allows us to stay closely connected to University Park’s innovation ecosystem as well as the research and start-up activity across Penn State’s 19 Commonwealth Campuses. Our mission is to be an early capital source for all Penn State-related startups.

We place particular emphasis on Penn State Commonwealth Campuses in:

  • Harrisburg
  • York
  • Mont Alto
  • Dubois
  • Erie

These campuses are underserved by capital sources and will benefit from our close working relationship with Ben Franklin Technology Partners.

Looking for Companies Just Like This…

Here’s our checklist for portfolio companies. You should have:

  • An identifiable core technological competency.
  • Potential to compete effectively in the marketplace.
  • A business model and management team that are both scalable.
  • A well-articulated business plan that delivers a value-increasing milestone on $100K to $500K investment.
  • Quality cross-functional teams who are agile and committed to long-term success.

If you think your company is the right fit, we should chat soon. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you.

Get in Touch

(814) 826-4740    |    info@1855capital.com

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