Pre-Seed Investment

Connecticut Innovations' Pre-Seed Investment is a rolling equity route for early-stage technology companies in Connecticut. It sits inside the state's quasi-public investment agency and targets founders who can make a real operating commitment to the state. The fund provides up to $150,000, with at least a 50 percent private match. Companies must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State before receiving funding, have at least half their employees in Connecticut, and be less than seven years old with non-grant revenue under $2 million. The eligible sectors include bioscience, IT, clean tech, photonics, and advanced materials. The strongest applicants already look like local operating businesses rather than speculative concepts. A concise pitch deck, a Connecticut footprint or credible move plan, and private capital alongside the state investment are the clearest signals. Subsidiaries and affiliates of larger companies are excluded, so the route is aimed at independent early-stage ventures that can move quickly.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.