Capital Networks
Capital Networks
Emerald Stage2 is a venture fund formed under the leadership of Ben Franklin to address the need for early-stage venture capital in information technology companies across PA and the Mid-Atlantic region. In FY’09, Stage2 closed a $15MM investment round. Stage2 has invested in five companies thus far, two of which are Ben Franklin portfolio companies.
Dreamit is a startup, boot-camp entrepreneurial program launched by veteran IT investors. Dreamit launched twelve companies in 2008, and ten in 2009. Ben Franklin is a founding sponsor and investor in the program.
Mid-Atlantic Angel Group Fund I & II (MAG)
MAG I and II early-stage angel investment funds are housed
and supported by Ben Franklin. In 2009, the new MAG II fund
closed a $4.3MM funding round. MAG I has invested in a total
of eleven companies.
Minority Angel Investor Network
Created by Ben Franklin, the Minority Angel Investor Network is the first organized group of private investors focused solely on high-growth, minority-owned or led companies. The Minority Angel Investor Network has made investments in a total of 8 companies.
Project Liberty Digital Incubator
The Project Liberty Digital Incubator, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, is operated by Ben Franklin and hosted by Interstate General Media (IGM is publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia SportsWeek, & Philly.com). The Incubator is designed to stimulate the establishment and growth of digital media startup companies in the Philadelphia region. DreamIt Ventures and Drexel University are additional partners of the initiative.
