Impact

Alumni Association invests in Penn State-related startups

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Alumni Association will invest in the future of Penn State entrepreneurs and technology startups — including those launched by Penn State alumni, students and faculty — through a $500,000 commitment to 1855 Capital.

The $10 million-plus 1855 Capital Fund provides seed and early-stage venture capital to Penn State affiliated startups. It develops investment opportunities by actively engaging with current faculty, staff and students involved in Penn State’s world-class research efforts looking to bring intellectual property, invention and ideas to the marketplace.

“We see this as a real opportunity to impact the entrepreneurial spark that drives students and alumni to make the world better,” said Alumni Association President and 1982 alumnus Steven B. Wagman. “Partnering with 1855 Capital allows us to support the Penn State startup ecosystem in a very tangible way.”

1855 Capital focuses its investments in a variety of areas including information technology, advanced materials, financial technology, healthcare and medical devices, among others. While the fund has strong ties to the Penn State community — local and global — 1855 Capital is a privately owned and operated company and is not directly affiliated with Penn State. All investment and operational decisions remain at the discretion of the fund’s general partner, 1855 Capital Partners.

The Penn State Alumni Association connects alumni to the University and to each other; provides valuable benefits to members; and supports the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. More information about the Alumni Association is available at alumni.psu.edu.

1855 Capital’s mission is to identify, mentor and fund high-quality startups with roots in the Penn State system and ensure their success to the benefit of its investors, the startup teams and the community. More about the fund can be found online at 1855capital.com.

Last Updated May 18, 2018