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Explore: Seed

1885 Capital

vc$0.9MCo-investsLeads rounds

Fund Size

$0.9M

Check Size

$0.1M$0.5M

Location

🇺🇸United States

Portfolio

10 companies

Activity

Statusactively investing

Investment Thesis

1855 Capital is a seed and early-stage venture capital fund investing in companies with an affinity to Penn State University. The fund focuses on identifying, mentoring, and funding high-quality startups that leverage the university's research and alumni network, aiming to fill the early-stage funding gap in Pennsylvania.

About 1885 Capital

1855 Capital is a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting Penn State-affiliated startups. With a focus on seed and early-stage investments, the firm actively engages with the university's faculty, staff, and alumni to identify promising business opportunities and provide hands-on guidance to entrepreneurs.

Sectors

Educational TechnologyEmotional WellnessSocial Emotional Learning

Stages

seed

Geographic focus

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Team

Jim Tenzillo
Jim Baker
Vince Nystrom
Full team enrichment — titles, roles, LinkedIn, X and email where availableSign in to view

Notable Investments

Pledge It, Reflexion, Phospholutions, Daasity, spotLESS Materials, Benefix, Croptix, Magnitude Instruments, 5Metis, TEAMology

Verified 17 July 2026 · Sources: company website, Fusion42 review

Frequently asked questions

What does 1885 Capital invest in?
1885 Capital invests in Educational Technology, Emotional Wellness and Social Emotional Learning at the seed stage.
Which geographies does 1885 Capital focus on?
1885 Capital focuses on Upper Peninsula, Michigan, and is headquartered in United States.
What is 1885 Capital's typical check size?
1885 Capital typically writes checks of $0.1M to $0.5M.