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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 aims to take uncredentialed individuals seriously and assist them in starting, building, and growing their ventures.
As of now, 1517 Fund has committed $175 million in capital and primarily invests in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. The fund has built a portfolio that includes companies across various sectors, including SaaS, edtech, and fintech. The firm actively supports a community of hackers, makers, and renegade scientists, providing them with the resources needed to innovate and succeed.
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. Their investment strategy emphasizes working with individuals before they formally identify as founders, nurturing their interests and guiding them through their educational and career paths.
The sectors of interest for 1517 Fund include SaaS, edtech, and fintech. The fund's check sizes typically align with the early-stage nature of their investments, focusing on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus rounds. This approach allows them to engage with a diverse range of startups and support groundbreaking ideas that may not fit conventional funding criteria.
1517 Fund's portfolio includes notable companies that exemplify its focus on innovation and uncredentialed founders:
These companies reflect the fund's commitment to supporting innovative projects that advance technology and science.
Danielle Strachman: General Partner and Co-Founder of 1517 Fund, Danielle has a background in supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.
Michael Gibson: General Partner and Co-Founder, Michael brings experience in venture capital and a commitment to empowering uncredentialed founders.
To pitch 1517 Fund, interested parties should visit their website for submission guidelines. The fund prefers pitches that clearly outline the business model, market opportunity, and the founder's vision. A warm introduction is beneficial but not mandatory.
As of October 2023, 1517 Fund continues to actively support its community of young innovators and entrepreneurs. The fund regularly updates its website to reflect its mission and portfolio, showcasing notable companies and their contributions to various sectors.
Recent activities include ongoing investments in early-stage companies and a focus on expanding their portfolio in the SaaS, edtech, and fintech sectors.
What are the investment criteria for 1517 Fund?
1517 Fund primarily invests in early-stage companies led by founders who often lack traditional credentials. The fund seeks innovative projects in sectors such as SaaS, edtech, and fintech.
How can I apply or pitch to 1517 Fund?
Interested parties can visit 1517 Fund's website for pitch submissions. They also accept inquiries via email at info@1517fund.com.
What makes 1517 Fund different from other venture capital firms?
1517 Fund focuses on supporting uncredentialed founders and young innovators, providing capital and micro-grants to help them develop their ideas before they formally identify as founders.
What is the geographic scope of 1517 Fund's investments?
The fund primarily invests in the United States, targeting early-stage companies across various sectors.
What is the typical check size for investments?
1517 Fund invests in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes that align with these early funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement does 1517 Fund have?
1517 Fund actively supports its portfolio companies by providing resources and guidance, helping founders navigate their educational and career paths.
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