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Slater Technology Fund is an evergreen not-for-profit seed fund based in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1997, the fund aims to support new venture development in the region, particularly focusing on early-stage technology startups with high-growth potential. It is recognized as the most active seed-stage investor in Rhode Island and serves as the largest venture capital fund in the state.
The fund has deployed a total of $35.7 million across over 110 ventures, which have collectively raised more than $356.8 million in follow-on funding. Slater Technology Fund emphasizes local company building and transformative technologies that address significant global challenges, particularly in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and biotech.
As an economic-development anchor, Slater Technology Fund administers public funding initiatives and advocates for innovation in Rhode Island, enhancing the startup ecosystem. The fund's leadership includes experienced professionals who are committed to fostering growth in the local technology sector.
Slater Technology Fund primarily invests in seed- and early-stage technology ventures, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as software, energy, and life sciences. The fund seeks to identify transformative technologies that can make a meaningful impact while fostering economic development in Rhode Island. It particularly focuses on university-affiliated spinouts, especially from Brown University and the University of Rhode Island.
The fund's investment strategy includes a commitment to addressing significant global challenges, particularly in life sciences, software, and energy. Slater Technology Fund looks for startups that demonstrate high growth potential and are capable of creating substantial economic impact. The typical check size ranges from $250,000 to $1 million, aligning with their seed-stage investment focus.
Slater Technology Fund has a diverse portfolio of 69 companies, reflecting its commitment to supporting innovative startups in Rhode Island. Notable exits from the fund include:
Recent investments include:
Overall, Slater Technology Fund has invested a total of $35.7 million, facilitating over $690 million in follow-on funding for its portfolio companies.
Thorne Sparkman - Managing Director. Thorne joined Slater Technology Fund in 2000 as Executive Director and has extensive experience in venture capital. He founded RightHill Ventures, a university-focused venture fund, and has a strong background in supporting technology startups.
Bob Chatham - Director. Bob brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in guiding the fund's investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch Slater Technology Fund, founders should visit their contact page at slaterfund.com/contact. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The fund prefers warm introductions but will consider direct applications through their website.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Clear and concise communication is essential, as the fund values well-structured pitches that effectively convey the startup's vision and potential.
In March 2026, Slater Technology Fund was featured in the Boston Globe for its advocacy of innovation-economy support in Rhode Island. The fund continues to play a crucial role in the local startup ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of public funding initiatives.
Recent investments include Octagon Therapeutics, a Brown University spinout in autoimmune biotech, and women's health ventures Flourish and Egal, both funded in 2024. These investments reflect the fund's commitment to supporting transformative technologies that address significant global challenges.
What are Slater Technology Fund's investment criteria?
Slater Technology Fund focuses on seed- and early-stage technology ventures, particularly in sectors like software, energy, and life sciences. They look for startups that demonstrate high growth potential and address significant global challenges.
How can I apply or pitch to Slater Technology Fund?
Founders can apply for funding through the Slater Technology Fund's contact page at slaterfund.com/contact. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Slater Technology Fund different from other investors?
Slater Technology Fund is unique as it operates as an evergreen not-for-profit seed fund, focusing on local economic development in Rhode Island. It not only provides capital but also strategic support and access to a network of resources.
What is the geographic focus of Slater Technology Fund?
The fund primarily invests in startups based in Rhode Island and the broader New England region, emphasizing local company development.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Slater Technology Fund typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in seed-stage companies, aligning with their focus on early-stage ventures.
What kind of post-investment support does Slater Technology Fund provide?
Slater Technology Fund adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic support, access to resources, and facilitating connections within the local startup ecosystem.
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