Fifty Years

Fifty Years is a pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Founded in 2015 by Ela Madej and Seth Bannon, Fifty Years focuses on backing founders who leverage technology to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, disease, and malnutrition. The firm has a strong mission-driven investment approach, supporting companies that aim to achieve significant societal impact while also being massively profitable. The firm's portfolio includes innovative companies like Upside Foods (cell-based meat), Solugen (decarbonizing the chemicals industry), and Opentrons (affordable robots for biologists). Fifty Years has invested in a variety of sectors including biotechnology, food technology, and advanced manufacturing. The leadership team is comprised of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, with Ela Madej bringing her extensive background as a serial tech entrepreneur and Y Combinator alum. Fifty Years emphasizes helping scientists and engineers become successful entrepreneurs, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and support.