1776 Ventures

1776 Ventures, based in Washington D.C., emerged as a prominent venture capital firm with roots in a pioneering incubator and accelerator model. Co-founded by Donna Harris and Revolution LLC's Steve Case, the firm initially fostered a vibrant ecosystem for startups tackling challenges in highly regulated industries. This unique origin shaped their investment thesis, focusing on companies that leverage technology to disrupt and improve "consumer critical sectors" such as education, healthcare, energy, smart cities, and financial services. They seek out founders addressing significant societal needs with innovative solutions.

The firm primarily targets seed-stage companies, often participating in pre-seed and early Series A rounds as well. Their investment strategy emphasizes not just capital infusion but also leveraging their extensive network, policy expertise, and operational support to help portfolio companies navigate complex regulatory landscapes. This hands-on approach is designed to accelerate growth and market penetration for startups operating in sectors traditionally resistant to rapid technological change.

1776 Ventures has demonstrated a robust investment pace, building a diverse portfolio of over 160 companies. Their commitment to supporting early-stage innovation is underscored by the successful closing of multiple funds, including their 1776 Seed Fund II, which raised $34.5 million. This capital allows them to provide initial checks typically ranging from $100,000 to $750,000, with the capacity for follow-on investments as companies mature. Their focus remains on empowering entrepreneurs who are building scalable solutions for critical global challenges, reinforcing their position as a key player in the impact-driven venture capital landscape.