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Difference Partners is a New York-based venture capital firm founded to enhance the lives of individuals with diverse learning and thinking styles. Established with a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, the firm operates a $30 million fund. Difference Partners focuses on early-stage companies that provide innovative solutions across various sectors, particularly in education and behavioral health.
The firm has a portfolio of eight companies, each dedicated to improving the experiences of neurodiverse individuals. Difference Partners aims to create meaningful impacts in the lives of these individuals and their families through strategic investments and support. The firm is actively involved in the United States market, seeking to partner with startups that align with its mission.
Difference Partners invests in startups that enhance the experiences of neurodiverse individuals. The firm targets early-stage companies across several sectors, including edtech, diagnostics, care delivery, employment, financial services, housing, and support infrastructure. The investment strategy emphasizes addressing large unmet needs within the neurodiversity community, particularly for individuals with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Check sizes are not publicly disclosed, but the firm is open to pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments. Difference Partners looks for founders who are committed to improving outcomes for neurodiverse individuals and their families. The firm values innovative solutions that enhance access to resources, improve care quality, and create pathways for neurodiverse individuals in various aspects of life.
Difference Partners has invested in a diverse range of companies that focus on improving the lives of neurodiverse individuals. The portfolio includes:
Jesse Morris: Founder & General Partner. Jesse previously worked as a partner at Human Ventures and developed the investment thesis from an autism-focused venture fund memo. His expertise lies in the neurodiversity sector, where he has been instrumental in shaping the firm's focus on improving outcomes for individuals with diverse learning and thinking styles.
To pitch to Difference Partners, founders should use the contact form available at differencepartners.com/contact or email info@differencepartners.com. The firm does not require a specific pitch deck format but encourages founders to include details about their product, market fit, and how they address the needs of neurodiverse individuals. Response times may vary, but the firm operates on a rolling application cycle.
In October 2025, Difference Partners participated in a $6.2 million seed round for Hipp Health, an AI-native platform for behavioral health practices. This investment highlights the firm's active engagement in supporting innovative solutions within the neurodiversity sector.
What criteria does Difference Partners use for investments?
Difference Partners focuses on early-stage companies that enhance the experiences of neurodiverse individuals. They look for startups in sectors such as education, diagnostics, care delivery, and employment that address the needs of individuals with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
How can I pitch to Difference Partners?
Founders can pitch to Difference Partners through their contact page at differencepartners.com/contact or via email at info@differencepartners.com. The firm maintains an open pitch policy.
What makes Difference Partners different from other VC firms?
Difference Partners is uniquely focused on the neurodiversity sector, investing specifically in companies that improve outcomes for individuals with diverse learning and thinking styles. Their commitment to this mission sets them apart from other venture capital firms.
What is the geographic focus of Difference Partners?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in the United States, targeting companies that align with their mission of supporting neurodiverse individuals.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Difference Partners invests in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the needs of the startup.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Difference Partners provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its expertise in the neurodiversity sector to enhance access to resources and improve care quality.
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