Organization · Venture Capital
1855 Capital
1855 Capital is a seed and early-stage venture capital fund based in State College, Pennsylvania, focusing on companies connected to Penn State University. It leverages the university's extensive alumni network and research capabilities to identify investment opportunities.
Overview
What 1855 Capital does
What 1855 Capital is
1855 Capital is a seed and early-stage venture capital fund based in State College, Pennsylvania, focusing on companies connected to Penn State University. It leverages the university's extensive alumni network and research capabilities to identify investment opportunities.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2018
- Approximate age
- About 8 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- March 30, 2026
Official channels
Find 1855 Capital elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
1855 Capital as a funder
Investment thesis
1855 Capital focuses on seed and early-stage investments in companies affiliated with Penn State University, leveraging its extensive alumni network and research capabilities.
Focus narrative
The fund primarily invests in sectors such as information technology, advanced materials, and healthcare/medical devices. 1855 Capital targets companies that possess unique technological competencies and scalable business models, ensuring a strong alignment with the Penn State community while operating as a privately owned entity.
Value beyond capital
1855 Capital adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its connections within the Penn State community, providing access to research resources, mentorship, and a network of alumni and industry experts. The fund aims to facilitate commercialization of innovative technologies and scalable business models.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $100,000–$500,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Seed
- Sectors
- Advanced Materials · Healthcare · Fintech · Edtech
- Regions
- United States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 11
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include: Pledge It: A sports-based crowdfunding platform that allows teams and athletes to raise money based on their performance. Reflexion: Focused on cognitive training, concussion screening, and visual rehabilitation for athletes. Bliley Technologies: Manufacturer of low-noise frequency control products based in Erie, PA. Phospholutions: Commercializing technology from Penn State to enhance phosphorus availability in soil. Tallyx: Simplifying global trade transactions using blockchain technology. Daasity: A data-as-a-service company that helps businesses become data-driven. spotLESS Materials: Developing self-healing surface coatings to address fouling and icing issues. Arbitrator Intelligence: Aggregates information about international arbitrators to aid decision-making. Benefix: A collaborative hub for benefits management connecting carriers, brokers, and small businesses. Studio BE: Wellness technology solutions for personal and professional well-being. Croptix: Offers in-field solutions for early identification of crop diseases.
Common questions
What to know about 1855 Capital
Upseed classifies 1855 Capital under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 30, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.