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Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, founded in 1982, is a venture capital organization based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The firm is dedicated to supporting technology-based businesses across a 21-county area in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth through investment and support services tailored to entrepreneurs and startups.
Over the past 40 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has established itself as a significant player in the regional economic development landscape. The organization is part of the larger Ben Franklin Technology Partners network, which is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. This affiliation enhances its ability to provide resources and support to local businesses.
Currently, the firm focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, AI, and energy. It has been recognized as one of the top seed-stage investors in the nation, although specific metrics such as fund size and team size are not disclosed. The organization operates several initiatives, including the TechVentures incubator ecosystem, which provides additional resources to portfolio companies.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners invests in early-stage technology companies across various sectors, including healthcare, AI, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The firm typically engages in funding rounds from Friends & Family to Growth Equity, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. This investment strategy emphasizes innovation and the development of technology-driven solutions.
The organization specifically looks for companies that demonstrate protectable intellectual property and a clear commercialization potential. Founders with a strong commitment to their ventures and a focus on job creation are particularly appealing to the firm. Ben Franklin Technology Partners operates primarily within the Northeastern Pennsylvania region, serving a 21-county area, which includes counties such as Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton.
Investment decisions are made during monthly board meetings, and the firm emphasizes the importance of local presence and sustainable job creation in its funding criteria. The organization also provides business support and access to a network of follow-on investors, enhancing the growth potential of its portfolio companies.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners has a diverse portfolio of companies that have received funding and support. Notable investments include:
In March 2026, the organization approved $1,919,725 for 11 regional companies, showcasing its active role in supporting local innovation.
Angelo J. Valletta — President and Chief Operating Officer. Valletta leads Ben Franklin Northeast and represents the organization at regional innovation events. He has extensive experience in economic development and venture capital.
Wayne K. Barz — Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Barz is involved in planning regional innovation programming and investment activity, contributing to the strategic direction of the firm.
Kimberly Valuntas — Regional Manager and TechVentures Portfolio Manager. Valuntas manages the TechVentures portfolio and serves as the primary contact for incubator companies, providing guidance and support.
Marisa Bishop — Regional Manager for Greater Reading/Berks. Bishop is the contact for eligibility questions in Berks County and plays a key role in supporting local entrepreneurs.
Ayesha Haider — Regional Manager for Lehigh Valley. Haider oversees initiatives in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton counties, facilitating connections between startups and resources.
Ken Okrepkie — Regional Manager for Pocono Northeast. Okrepkie is responsible for Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, helping to drive innovation in these areas.
Josh Bradley — Regional Manager for Susquehanna Valley. Bradley manages initiatives in Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties, supporting local startups.
To pitch Ben Franklin Technology Partners, founders should use the application-only process outlined on their website. The preferred channel for initial contact is through the pitch email at info@nep.benfranklin.org. Founders are encouraged to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in their pitch deck.
It is important to highlight the protectable intellectual property and commercialization potential of the startup. The organization conducts monthly board meetings to review applications, so founders should be prepared for a potential wait for feedback. A warm introduction is not required but can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In March 2026, Ben Franklin Technology Partners approved $1,919,725 in funding for 11 regional companies, showcasing its active role in supporting local innovation. Notable investments included early-stage funding for companies such as AAYUNA, Hyrding, NSV, and TechA11y.
Additionally, the organization is set to host the annual Venture Idol pitch competition on May 7, 2026, which celebrates entrepreneurship and provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovations.
What are the investment criteria for Ben Franklin Technology Partners?
The firm invests in early-stage technology companies that demonstrate protectable intellectual property, a clear commercialization plan, and potential for job creation. Companies must be located within the 21-county service area of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
How can I apply for funding?
Interested parties can apply for funding through the application-only process. More information and the application form can be found on their website at nep.benfranklin.org.
What makes Ben Franklin Technology Partners different from other investors?
Ben Franklin Technology Partners focuses specifically on regional innovation-led economic development. They provide not only funding but also business support and access to a network of follow-on investors, which enhances the growth potential of their portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The organization typically invests between $100,000 and $250,000 in early-stage technology companies.
What is the decision timeline for funding applications?
Investment decisions are made during monthly board meetings, and applicants can expect to receive feedback following these meetings.
What types of support do portfolio companies receive post-investment?
Portfolio companies benefit from business support, access to a network of follow-on investors, and resources through the TechVentures incubator ecosystem.
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