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Samaritan Partners is a public benefit venture fund founded in 2023, based in New York. The fund is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and accessible world by accelerating capital investment in early-stage, for-profit companies that serve the disability sector. Its mission aligns financial returns with social impact, ensuring that investments not only yield profits but also contribute positively to the communities they serve.
The fund operates under a patient capital approach, emphasizing long-term partnerships with portfolio companies. This structure allows Samaritan Partners to provide not just financial backing but also management expertise and operational support, enhancing the impact of its investments. The firm is committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility, making it a unique player in the venture capital landscape.
As of now, Samaritan Partners has invested in nine companies, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, consumer products, fintech, edtech, and artificial intelligence. The firm’s public benefit structure holds it accountable to its mission, aligning the interests of investors, portfolio companies, and the disability communities they aim to serve.
Samaritan Partners invests in early-stage, for-profit companies that operate within the disability sector. The fund's investment strategy is centered around accessibility, assistive technology, and inclusive employment. It employs a patient capital approach, which allows for long-term investments that prioritize social good alongside financial returns. The firm seeks to partner closely with its portfolio companies, providing management expertise and operational support to enhance their impact.
Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, and Series A, with a geographic focus primarily on the United States. The sectors of interest encompass healthcare, consumer products, fintech, edtech, and artificial intelligence, all with a specific emphasis on solutions that address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Samaritan Partners looks for companies that integrate disability inclusion into their core business models, ensuring that their products and services are designed with accessibility in mind.
Founders seeking investment should demonstrate a commitment to serving the disability community and present a scalable business model. The firm values long-term partnerships and aims to support its portfolio companies in navigating the challenges of growth while maintaining a focus on social impact.
Samaritan Partners has invested in a diverse range of companies that focus on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. The portfolio includes:
These companies exemplify the fund's commitment to investing in solutions that not only generate financial returns but also create significant social impact within the disability sector.
Chris Maher - Founder & General Partner. Chris has over 25 years of experience in various sectors, including SaaS, AdTech, and consumer research. His personal motivation stems from raising two daughters with disabilities, which has driven his commitment to the disability community.
Kathy Behrens - Advisor. Kathy serves as the President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs at the NBA, bringing extensive experience in community programs and social responsibility initiatives.
Ben Levin - Advisor. Ben is the Co-Founder and CEO of Level Equity and has a background as a former Managing Director at Insight Venture Partners, with a track record of over 50 private-business investments since 1997.
Andrew Walsh - Advisor. Andrew is the Founder and CEO of TALL Ventures, with experience as a CEO, advisor, and board member in venture-backed startups, specializing in capital raising and M&A.
To pitch to Samaritan Partners, founders should use the contact form available on their website. It is advisable to include a comprehensive business plan that outlines the startup's mission, market potential, and how it serves the disability community. Founders should also detail their operational strategies and any existing traction.
While specific response times are not disclosed, it is recommended to follow up if there is no response within a reasonable timeframe. Warm introductions are preferred, so leveraging connections within the disability sector or venture capital community may enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
On February 25, 2026, Samaritan Partners made a Series A-related investment in Wheel the World, an accessible travel booking platform. This investment aligns with the fund's mission to support companies that enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
In 2025, Chris Maher, the founder of Samaritan Partners, was featured in a Zero Project article discussing the importance of investment in the disability sector. This highlights the fund's commitment to addressing the needs of the disability community through strategic investments.
What are the investment criteria for Samaritan Partners?
Samaritan Partners focuses on early-stage, for-profit companies that serve the disability sector. Companies should demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, with products or services designed for individuals with disabilities.
How can founders pitch to Samaritan Partners?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the contact form available on the Samaritan Partners website. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information on how the company addresses the needs of the disability community.
What makes Samaritan Partners different from other venture funds?
The firm operates as a public benefit venture fund, which means it is accountable to its mission of fostering inclusivity and accessibility. This structure allows it to prioritize social impact alongside financial returns.
What is the geographic focus of Samaritan Partners?
The fund primarily invests in companies based in the United States, but it also considers companies with broader or international markets that align with its mission.
What kind of support does Samaritan Partners provide to its portfolio companies?
In addition to capital, Samaritan Partners offers management expertise, operational support, and product guidance to help portfolio companies scale effectively while maintaining a focus on disability inclusion.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Specific check sizes have not been disclosed, so founders should inquire directly during the pitch process to understand the funding range for their specific needs.
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