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Fifty Years is a venture capital firm founded in 2016 and based in the United States. The firm focuses on pre-seed and seed investments, specifically targeting early-stage companies that leverage technology to address significant global challenges. Backed by 46 founders of billion-dollar technology companies, Fifty Years emphasizes the importance of supporting scientists and engineers as they transition into entrepreneurship.
Since its inception, Fifty Years has launched over 100 companies, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation in technology-driven solutions. The firm operates primarily in North America and Europe, with a strong focus on sectors such as climate tech, biotech, healthcare, space-tech, connectivity, and food-agtech. The firm’s initiatives, including the 5050 program, are designed to assist scientists and engineers in starting deep tech startups, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support.
Fifty Years invests in early-stage companies across a variety of sectors, with a particular emphasis on deep tech. The firm is sector agnostic but shows a strong preference for investments in climate tech, synthetic biology, health and mental health, space tech, connectivity, and food tech. Companies that have initial go-to-market strategies in North America or Europe are prioritized, especially those aiming for a positive societal impact.
The firm seeks founders who are not only innovative but also committed to addressing significant global challenges through their technologies. Fifty Years values mentorship and guidance, particularly for scientists and engineers, ensuring that portfolio companies receive the support needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.
Fifty Years has built a diverse portfolio of over 100 companies, showcasing its commitment to innovation across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
The firm’s initiatives, such as the 5050 program, play a crucial role in helping scientists and engineers launch deep tech startups, further expanding its portfolio and impact.
Seth Bannon: Co-founder with a background in technology and entrepreneurship, previously involved in launching successful startups.
Mark Budde: Co-founder who brings expertise in venture capital and startup development, having worked with various tech companies.
Josie Kishi: Co-founder with a focus on supporting early-stage companies, leveraging her experience in the tech industry.
Niccolo Cymbalist: Co-founder known for his work in deep tech investments and mentorship.
Michelle Lee: Founder with a strong background in technology and innovation, dedicated to fostering new ventures.
Dan Moore: Founder with experience in scaling startups and providing operational support.
Michael Chavez: Co-founder with expertise in venture capital and technology commercialization.
Binbin Chen: Co-founder focused on supporting scientists and engineers in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Brandon Wilson: Co-founder with a background in technology and startup mentorship.
Floris Engelhardt: Co-founder known for his work in supporting early-stage technology companies.
Nikita Khlystov: Founder with experience in technology development and startup growth.
Eric McShane: Co-founder with a focus on venture capital and technology investments.
Evan Gardner: Co-founder with expertise in supporting innovative startups.
Caitlyn Miller: Co-founder dedicated to fostering new ventures in technology.
To pitch to Fifty Years, founders should visit their website at fiftyyears.com or email hello@fiftyyears.com. The firm prefers pitches that clearly outline the problem being addressed, the innovative solution, and the potential societal impact. A well-structured deck that includes market analysis, team backgrounds, and financial projections is essential.
Response times can vary, but founders are encouraged to follow up if they do not receive a timely response. Warm introductions through mutual connections are preferred but not required.
Fifty Years runs the 5050 program, which is designed to assist scientists and engineers in launching deep tech startups. This program provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help founders navigate the challenges of starting a new venture.
Eligibility for the program typically includes individuals with a background in science or engineering who are looking to transition into entrepreneurship. Interested parties can apply through the Fifty Years website.
In recent months, Fifty Years has continued to expand its portfolio, successfully launching several new initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs. The firm has been actively involved in the 5050 program, which assists scientists and engineers in starting deep tech startups.
Fifty Years has also been recognized for its unique approach to venture capital, focusing on helping founders leverage technology to tackle significant global challenges. This commitment has led to the successful launch of over 100 companies since its founding in 2016.
What are the investment criteria for Fifty Years?
Fifty Years focuses on early-stage companies in sectors like climate tech, biotech, healthcare, space-tech, connectivity, and food-agtech. They prefer companies with initial go-to-market strategies in North America or Europe that aim for a positive societal impact.
How can I apply or pitch to Fifty Years?
Interested founders can apply by visiting their website at fiftyyears.com or by emailing hello@fiftyyears.com. They encourage networking through platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.
What makes Fifty Years different from other venture capital firms?
Fifty Years uniquely focuses on helping scientists and engineers transition into entrepreneurship, providing mentorship and resources tailored to their needs. This approach sets them apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Fifty Years primarily invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, which typically involve smaller initial investments compared to later-stage funding.
What is the firm's post-investment involvement like?
Fifty Years provides significant value to its portfolio companies through mentorship, guidance, and access to a network of industry experts, ensuring that founders have the support they need to succeed.
What is the firm's fund size?
Fifty Years has not publicly disclosed its total assets under management (AUM), but it has successfully launched over 100 companies since its founding.
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