Blog

Startup Kapsul’s Smart AC Unit Lands Offers From Big Retailers Amid Raising $5M

October 26, 2018

With October’s chill setting in, it’s hard to believe the sweltering, muggy heat of July isn’t that far away. But when it does come, Kapsul plans to be ready. That’s what COO Chris Myers told the Philadelphia Business Journal this week as the Philadelphia-based hardware startup is in the midst of a seed round to fund the […]

With Honor for Terry Hicks (1952-2018)

October 25, 2018

Terry Hicks joined Ben Franklin in 1993 as the Director of Technology and Manufacturing Programs, and in 1998 became our Vice President of the Investment Group, serving in this role until his retirement in 2015. In his 22 years at Ben Franklin, Terry guided the growth of more than 400 companies in Greater Philadelphia […]

Teleflex Acquires Essential Medical

October 23, 2018

Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX) today announced that it has acquired Essential Medical, Inc. Based in Exton, PA, Essential Medical is a privately-held medical device company that has developed and commercialized the CE Marked MANTA™ Vascular Closure Device specifically designed for closure of large bore arteriotomies following procedures utilizing devices or sheaths ranging in size from […]

Program Targets One Missing Link For Founders From Diverse Backgrounds: Friends And Family Money

October 22, 2018

Many startups fund their earliest days with money from friends and family, as well as angels. But what if your friends and family are not wealthy—and, in fact, are more on the struggling side of the equation? This, in fact, is one critically important missing link in access to capital faced by many founders from […]

The MedTech Conference Winners

October 21, 2018

Currently in its sixth year, the MedTech Innovator competition awarded over $500K in cash prizes and in-kind awards. Participating companies gained increasing amounts of exposure to industry leaders through online application reviews, in-person pitch sessions, and audience competitions at two conferences. Judges of the 2018 final competition included Jennifer Kozak, Vice President, New Business Development, […]