Skip to content

1517 Fund

1517 Fund is a venture capital firm based in Telluride, Colorado, that invests in early-stage technology startups, particularly those led by non-traditional founders. The firm emphasizes support for individuals without college degrees, including dropouts and deep-tech scientists.

Founded
2015
Recorded stages
Friends Family, Angel, Pre Seed, Seed
Focus sectors
Biotech
Recorded regions
Global, North America, United States

Online destinations

Find 1517 Fund online

Where to find this organization online, grouped by who runs each page. A link here does not mean the organization controls it.

Official links

Pages the organization runs itself.

Overview

1517 Fund, founded in 2015 by Danielle Strachman and Michael Gibson, is a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs, particularly those who are dropouts, students, or deep tech scientists. The organization aims to take uncredentialed individuals seriously and assist them in starting, building, and growing their ventures. With a commitment of over $175 million in capital, 1517 Fund provides both capital and micro-grants to innovative projects that advance technology and science, nurturing individuals before they formally identify as founders.

Focus

1517 Fund invests in early-stage companies led by founders who often lack traditional credentials. The fund provides capital and micro-grants to support innovative projects that advance technology and science. It emphasizes working with individuals before they formally identify as founders, nurturing their interests and guiding them through their educational and career paths.

Support

1517 Fund adds value to its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also mentorship and community support. The fund's unique approach includes offering no-strings grants and fostering a collaborative environment where young innovators can thrive and develop their ideas into successful ventures.

Questions

What are the investment criteria for 1517 Fund?

1517 Fund focuses on early-stage companies led by founders who often lack traditional credentials. The fund is particularly interested in supporting young entrepreneurs, including dropouts and students, who are working on innovative projects in technology and science.

How can I apply or pitch to 1517 Fund?

Interested parties can pitch their ideas by visiting 1517 Fund's website or by emailing info@1517fund.com. The fund encourages founders to share their vision and how they plan to advance their projects.

What makes 1517 Fund different from other venture capital firms?

1517 Fund distinguishes itself by focusing on uncredentialed founders and providing them with both capital and micro-grants. This unique approach allows the fund to nurture talent before these individuals formally identify as founders.

What is the geographic scope of 1517 Fund's investments?

The fund primarily invests in companies based in the United States, supporting a community of young innovators and entrepreneurs across the country.

What is the typical check size for investments?

1517 Fund invests in the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes varying based on the specific needs of the startup and the stage of development.

What kind of post-investment involvement does 1517 Fund have?

1517 Fund actively supports its portfolio companies by providing mentorship, resources, and guidance throughout their growth journey. The fund aims to be a partner in the success of its founders.

Check your startup’s fit

Check your startup’s fit with 1517 Fund

Similar investors

Organizations that do similar work to 1517 Fund.

All investors
Andreessen Horowitz logoInvestor

Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, founded in 2009. The firm invests across various sectors, supporting companies from early-stage startups to growth-stage firms.

Kleiner Perkins logoInvestor

Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in the 1970s. It partners with entrepreneurs across various sectors, providing capital and resources from inception to IPO.

Bain Capital logoInvestor

Global private investment firm with diverse strategies.

Hamilton Lane logoInvestor

Investing in private markets for over 30 years.

Superscout Pro

Find faster. Show up verified. Keep your deals private.

$99a year, or $12 a month
Get Pro

Is this page right?Reviewed · How the research works

Something's off