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1834 Ventures is a venture capital firm located in New Orleans, Louisiana, established in 2025. The firm was created to support and invest in innovative business opportunities emerging from the Tulane University community, which includes alumni, faculty, students, and other associated individuals. Operating as 1834 Ventures Fund I, L.P., it is a Delaware limited partnership with Louisiana Economic Development as a limited partner. Despite its name referencing the founding year of Tulane University, 1834 Ventures is not officially affiliated with the institution.
The firm has a target fund size of $20 million and has successfully reached over 50% of this target within approximately six months of its launch, securing $4.4 million from 30 investors across 11 states. The firm’s notable anchor limited partners include the Collins C. Diboll Foundation and the Priddy Family Foundation. 1834 Ventures is dedicated to fostering innovation and talent retention within Louisiana, positioning itself as a key player in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
1834 Ventures specializes in investing in early-stage startups founded by members of the Tulane University community. The firm targets companies in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. It operates primarily in the United States, focusing on scalable businesses that contribute to local innovation and economic development. The firm is designated as an SSBCI fund in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the local economy.
Investment stages range from pre-seed to seed+ (extension), with check sizes typically between $50,000 and $1 million. The firm seeks startups that demonstrate potential for growth and innovation, particularly those that can leverage the Tulane network. 1834 Ventures looks for founders who are deeply connected to the university, valuing their insights and experiences as critical components of their business strategies.
1834 Ventures has made four notable investments in its portfolio, focusing on innovative solutions across various sectors:
These companies exemplify the firm’s focus on supporting scalable businesses that not only drive innovation but also contribute to the local economy in Louisiana.
Evan Nicoll - Co-Leader, Venture Investor. Evan is a Tulane alumnus with a Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM '12) and an MBA (2016). He has experience mentoring at the Tulane Innovation Institute, focusing on supporting early-stage startups.
Patrick Hernandez - Co-Leader, Investment Professional. Patrick specializes in portfolio development, investor relations, and building partnerships within Louisiana's early-stage ecosystem. His expertise is instrumental in guiding startups through their growth phases.
To pitch to 1834 Ventures, founders should use the application portal available at https://www.1834.vc/apply-for-funding. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market analysis, and financial projections. Founders are encouraged to highlight their connection to the Tulane University community, as this is a key factor in the firm’s investment strategy. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission.
In April 2026, 1834 Ventures announced that it had reached over 50% of its $20 million target fund size, securing $4.4 million from 30 investors across 11 states. This milestone highlights the firm’s strong backing and commitment to supporting Tulane University-affiliated startups.
Recent coverage in local media, including Biz New Orleans and NOLA.com, has spotlighted the firm’s mission to foster innovation and economic growth within Louisiana. The firm continues to attract attention for its unique focus on the Tulane community and its strategic partnerships with local economic development organizations.
What are the investment criteria for 1834 Ventures?
1834 Ventures invests in early-stage startups founded by members of the Tulane University community, including alumni, faculty, and students. The firm focuses on sectors such as energy, AI, and biotech, and looks for scalable business models that can contribute to local economic development.
How can I apply or pitch to 1834 Ventures?
Founders can apply for funding through the firm’s application portal at https://www.1834.vc/apply-for-funding. It is recommended to provide a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes 1834 Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
1834 Ventures is uniquely focused on startups affiliated with Tulane University, leveraging its connections within the university and the broader Louisiana entrepreneurial ecosystem to support growth and innovation.
What is the geographic scope of 1834 Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in the United States, with a strong emphasis on supporting businesses that contribute to the local economy in Louisiana.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
1834 Ventures has a target fund size of $20 million, with individual check sizes ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, depending on the stage and needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
1834 Ventures provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its connections within the Tulane University network and the broader Louisiana entrepreneurial ecosystem to foster growth and innovation.
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