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1517 Fund
Telluride, United States
1517 Fund backs founders without traditional credentials—dropouts, student innovators, and deep‑tech scientists—at the earliest stages of their ventures. It focuses on software, hardware, AI, and biotech projects that ta...
Portfolio
23+
Employees
30+
Founded
2015
AUM
N/A
Investment focus
Stages
Pre-Seed → Seed
Industries
Software OnlyHardwareArtificial IntelligenceBiotechnology
Geographic scope
Global
Fund details
Check sizes
Min: $50.0K
Typical: $400.0K
Max: $1.0M
Sources
1517 Fund
1517 Fund backs founders without traditional credentials—dropouts, student innovators, and deep‑tech scientists—at the earliest stages of their ventures. It focuses on software, hardware, AI, and biotech projects that tackle hard problems, providing pre‑seed and seed capital, grants, and a supportive community to accelerate breakthrough technologies.
Portfolio
23+
Employees
30+
Founded
2015
AUM
N/A
Check Sizes
Min: $50.0K
Typical: $400.0K
Max: $1.0M
Stages
Pre-Seed → Seed
Industries
Software OnlyHardwareArtificial IntelligenceBiotechnology
Geographic scope
Global
Sources
Showing 22 of 22 matched portfolio companies
Uses artificial intelligence to automate the design of microchips, streamlining the complex and time-consuming process of circuit layout and optimization. This technology reduces development time and costs, enabling faster innovation in semiconductor design for various applications.
Funding: $3.1M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $3.1M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Atom Computing develops gate-based quantum computers using arrays of optically-trapped neutral atoms, enabling the construction of scalable systems with over 1,000 error-corrected qubits. This technology addresses the need for high-performance quantum computing solutions that can support complex applications requiring long coherence times and optimized connectivity.
Funding: $90.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $90.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Aura is a digital wellness platform that utilizes machine learning algorithms to deliver personalized mental health content, including meditations, sleep tracks, and therapy sessions, tailored to individual user needs. It addresses issues such as anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances by providing a vast library of resources and one-on-one coaching from certified professionals, enhancing overall well-being.
Funding: $8.9M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $8.9M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Ceragen develops custom microbial inoculants specifically for hydroponic systems, enhancing root-associated microbial communities to improve nutrient uptake and plant stress responses. This technology addresses the challenges of low crop yields and plant health issues, such as leaf yellowing and impaired growth, in hydroponic fruit and vegetable production.
Funding: $5.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $5.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Deepgram provides a voice AI platform that offers APIs for speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and natural language understanding, enabling developers to integrate advanced voice capabilities into their applications. The technology addresses the need for accurate and efficient transcription and voice interaction, delivering real-time processing and support for over 30 languages at a significantly lower cost and faster speed than traditional solutions.
Funding: $103.2M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $103.2M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
FOSSA offers an automated platform that scans all open‑source dependencies in a codebase—including packages, containers, binaries, and code snippets—to identify licenses, vulnerabilities, and quality issues. It integrates with CI/CD pipelines and version‑control systems to continuously generate up‑to‑date SBOMs, enforce compliance policies, and provide guided remediation, helping engineering and security teams maintain compliance and reduce risk.
Fountain provides an AI‑powered platform that automates the entire hiring, onboarding, and shift‑scheduling workflow for high‑volume hourly workers. Its Cue agents combine applicant tracking, talent CRM, multi‑channel sourcing, compliance document handling, and real‑time schedule creation into a single, SOC 2‑compliant cloud service, while giving employers control through role‑based permissions and audit logs.
Funding: $100.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $100.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Data Intelligence for Construction Ops.
Holacasa is a digital mortgage broker that aggregates offers from 12 financial institutions, allowing homebuyers in Latin America to compare and select the best mortgage options without incurring any fees. The platform streamlines the mortgage application process by providing personalized assistance and managing all necessary documentation from application to closing.
Int-Dyn utilizes proprietary high-temperature fermentation to onshore the production of 100% bio-based chemical intermediates from agricultural residues. Their flexible bioprocess solutions can be integrated into new or existing facilities to produce compounds like (R,R/meso)-2,3-butanediol. This technology offers low-CAPEX additions for biofuels facilities, enabling the production of D3 RINs and IRA credits.
Funding: $120.0K
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $120.0K
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Lactiga is developing novel biologics derived from human milk to create antibodies that target mucosal infections in patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. This approach addresses the high risk of recurrent infections and complications faced by these vulnerable patients, offering a potential improvement in their quality of life.
Lambda provides on-demand NVIDIA GPU instances and clusters specifically designed for AI training and inference, utilizing advanced hardware like the H100 and GH200 Tensor Core GPUs. This infrastructure enables machine learning teams to efficiently scale their computational resources without long-term commitments, addressing the need for high-performance computing in AI development.
Loom provides an easy-to-use platform for recording and sharing screen and camera video messages across desktop and mobile devices. The tool integrates with hundreds of workplace applications to facilitate asynchronous communication and collaboration. Users can enhance videos with editing features, transcripts, and viewer engagement tools like comments and CTAs.
Funding: $203.6M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $203.6M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Luminar develops high-performance LiDAR sensors and a full-stack software suite for automotive safety and autonomy. Their 1550nm wavelength LiDAR technology provides enhanced range and resolution, enabling vehicles to perceive their surroundings with greater precision for advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving.
Mach Industries develops decentralized unmanned systems powered by field-sourced hydrogen technology, enabling flexible and scalable production of defense hardware. This approach addresses the need for a strategic advantage in warfare by ensuring supply chain resilience and adaptability against adversaries.
Funding: $484.7M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $484.7M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
The startup develops computational design software that utilizes 3D solid design, topology optimization, and implicit geometry kernels to enhance product planning and design in industrial engineering. This technology enables manufacturers to efficiently create complex structures and manage thermal and fluid dynamics, ultimately improving production speed and customization capabilities.
Funding: $138.1M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $138.1M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Pheratech Systems develops specialized software that enables decentralized, resilient robotic systems to achieve general and specialized intelligence. Their technology utilizes non-classical swarm autonomy, allowing individual agents to perceive, think, and collaborate peer-to-peer at the edge without a central master. This approach ensures dynamic adaptation, fault tolerance, and efficient mission execution in complex operational environments.
Funding: $2.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $2.0M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Presso provides an autonomous micro-retail solution for on-demand garment care, utilizing eco-friendly cleaning methods that require only five minutes per cycle. This technology addresses the need for convenient, affordable, and sustainable dry-cleaning services, operating 247 and reducing costs by up to five times compared to traditional methods.
Funding: $11.3M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $11.3M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
The startup has developed an environmental management platform that utilizes connected sensors in construction sites to monitor worker exposure and prevent environmental damage. This technology enhances site understanding, leading to improved construction processes and operational efficiency.
Funding: $8.3M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $8.3M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Symba is a platform that streamlines the onboarding and engagement process for new hires by integrating HRIS and ATS systems to track readiness metrics and improve retention. It addresses the challenge of fragmented workflows and inconsistent onboarding experiences, enabling organizations to accelerate new hire productivity from the moment they accept job offers.
Funding: $2.9M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $2.9M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Upkeep is a mobile application that connects users with vetted MedSpa providers for services such as injectables, body contouring, and laser hair removal, facilitating easy booking and payment. The platform addresses the challenge of finding reliable aesthetic treatments by offering a curated network of top-performing providers, ensuring high-quality results and customer satisfaction.
Zeno develops radioisotope power systems (RPSs) that convert heat from decaying isotopes into a reliable, carbon-free energy source for extended periods. These compact devices address the need for resilient power solutions in remote and challenging environments, including space and maritime applications.
Funding: $21.8M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Funding: $21.8M
Rough estimate of the amount of funding raised
Showing 1 of 1 unmatched portfolio company