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Innovation Works Seed Fund

Innovation Works Seed Fund

Funds early-stage southwestern Pennsylvania technology startups with staged equity investments and follow-on capital options.

OpenInnovation WorksUnited StatesApplicants in Pennsylvania
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About

The Innovation Works Seed Fund is a direct equity investment vehicle operated by Innovation Works, a Ben Franklin Technology Partners affiliate serving the nine-county southwestern Pennsylvania region. Since 1999, the Seed Fund has deployed $93 million across 372 companies. Innovation Works' overall portfolio of 780+ companies has raised $3.54 billion in follow-on capital and logged 77 exits, unde…

What this grant funds

Direct equity investment of $150,000–$250,000 (up to $800,000 total follow-on) for early-stage technology startups in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Equity
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.innovationworks.org