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Founded in 2015, Founders First Capital Partners operates out of San Diego, California, with additional offices in Philadelphia, Chicago, Texas, and New Jersey. The firm was established to deliver growth capital solutions specifically for service-based businesses, particularly those that are minority-owned or operate in underinvested communities. The organization emphasizes non-dilutive financing options, allowing businesses to scale while retaining ownership.
As of now, Founders First Capital Partners has raised approximately $125.1 million in total capital, with $100 million committed to their revenue-based financing fund. The firm has deployed $14.1 million across 52 loans, resulting in the creation of 201 net new jobs. Their mission is to support underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and military veterans, by providing access to capital that drives economic mobility and job creation.
Founders First Capital Partners specializes in flexible growth capital through revenue-based financing, hybrid loans, and term loans, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. They primarily target service-based businesses with annual revenues between $500,000 and $10 million that are poised for growth and ready to scale into the mid-market. The firm emphasizes supporting businesses that create quality jobs and drive economic mobility.
The organization is particularly focused on closing the capital-access gap for underrepresented founders. Their investment strategy includes a commitment to providing non-dilutive growth capital solutions, which allows businesses to scale without sacrificing ownership. Founders First Capital Partners actively seeks to partner with businesses that align with their mission of promoting inclusive entrepreneurship.
Founders First Capital Partners has a diverse portfolio of 52 companies, showcasing their commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses. Notable clients include:
The firm has successfully deployed $14.1 million across its portfolio, contributing to the creation of 201 net new jobs. Their focus on service-based businesses has led to significant growth outcomes, such as Quality Interactions, Inc., which experienced a 300% increase in top-line growth after receiving revenue-based financing support.
Kim T. Folsom - Founder, Chairperson & CEO. Kim is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience and has launched six prior companies, achieving three successful exits. She is a Pepperdine University alum and has been a speaker at the Milken Institute.
Founders First Capital Partners prefers to receive pitches through their online application portal, which can be accessed at this link. Founders should include detailed information about their business model, revenue projections, and how they align with the firm's mission. A clear articulation of the growth strategy and job creation potential is crucial.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their application status within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged but not mandatory.
Founders First Capital Partners offers several programs aimed at supporting service-based businesses, including:
In recent months, Founders First Capital Partners has been actively hosting Capital Activation Events, which connect founders with potential funders for direct funding opportunities. The next event is scheduled for June 9, 2026, in Chicago. These events are designed to foster growth partnerships and enhance funding opportunities for service-based businesses.
The firm continues to maintain a blog that shares insights and updates related to their services and the businesses they support, although specific blog topics and frequency of posts were not detailed.
What are the investment criteria for Founders First Capital Partners?
The firm focuses on service-based businesses that are minority-owned or operate in underinvested communities. They typically invest in companies with annual revenues between $500,000 and $10 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Founders First Capital Partners?
Founders can apply through their website at this link or contact them via email at info@f1stcp.com.
What makes Founders First Capital Partners different from traditional VCs?
Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Founders First Capital Partners offers non-dilutive financing options, allowing founders to retain ownership while accessing growth capital.
What is the geographic scope of their investments?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, focusing on service-based businesses located in underinvested communities.
What kind of support do they provide post-investment?
Founders First Capital Partners offers advisory services, access to a network of mentors, and hosts Capital Activation Events to connect founders with potential funders.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Founders First Capital Partners typically invests between $500,000 and $2 million in their portfolio companies.
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