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1517 Fund is a venture capital fund established in 2015 by co-founders Danielle Strachman and Michael Gibson. Based in the United States, the fund focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs, particularly those who are dropouts, students, or deep tech scientists. The organization is dedicated to taking uncredentialed individuals seriously and assisting them in starting, building, and growing their ventures.
Since its inception, 1517 Fund has committed $175 million in capital, primarily targeting early-stage investments. The fund has a clear mission to empower a community of hackers, makers, and renegade scientists, providing them with the resources they need to innovate and succeed. The firm has established a reputation for its unique approach to investing, which emphasizes nurturing individuals before they formally identify as founders.
1517 Fund invests in early-stage companies, specifically in the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. The fund's investment strategy centers on founders who often lack traditional credentials, such as formal education or prior startup experience. This approach allows 1517 Fund to identify and support innovative projects that advance technology and science.
The fund provides both capital and micro-grants to help these entrepreneurs develop their ideas and bring them to market. 1517 Fund emphasizes working closely with individuals, guiding them through their educational and career paths, and nurturing their interests before they formally identify as founders. The sectors of focus include SaaS, edtech, and fintech, reflecting the fund's commitment to supporting transformative technologies.
1517 Fund's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its investment thesis:
In addition to these companies, the portfolio features businesses involved in advanced laundry machine manufacturing, deep learning cloud and hardware, quantum computing, and various SaaS solutions. This diverse range of investments highlights 1517 Fund's commitment to supporting groundbreaking technologies across multiple sectors.
Danielle Strachman: General Partner and Co-Founder of 1517 Fund, Danielle has a background in supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in technology.
Michael Gibson: General Partner and Co-Founder, Michael brings extensive experience in venture capital and a commitment to empowering uncredentialed founders.
To pitch 1517 Fund, founders should visit the fund's website and submit their proposals through the provided channels. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck. Response times may vary, but the fund encourages warm introductions when possible.
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.
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