1855 Capital Partners

1855 Capital is a seed and early-stage venture capital fund based in State College, Pennsylvania, with a focus on investing in startups connected to Penn State University. The fund, which has approximately $10 million under management, is dedicated to supporting companies emerging from Penn State's robust research and educational environment. This includes faculty, staff, students, and the extensive alumni network of over 700,000 members. The firm primarily targets sectors like information technology, advanced materials, fintech, edtech, and healthcare/medical devices. Investments typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, aiming to fill a critical early-stage funding gap for Penn State-affiliated startups, particularly those in underserved regions of Pennsylvania. The fund leverages its deep ties to the university and the broader business community to provide not just capital but also mentorship and strategic guidance, helping startups achieve significant milestones and scale effectively. Led by Managing Director Matt Rhodes, who has extensive experience in both startup and large-scale business management, 1855 Capital is committed to driving innovation within the Penn State ecosystem.