Organization · Micro VC
HopStone Capital
HopStone Capital is a student-run venture capital organization based at Johns Hopkins University that provides non-dilutive funding to startups founded by JHU affiliates. It aims to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem at JHU through grants and mentorship.
Overview
What HopStone Capital does
What HopStone Capital is
HopStone Capital is a student-run venture capital organization based at Johns Hopkins University that provides non-dilutive funding to startups founded by JHU affiliates. It aims to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem at JHU through grants and mentorship.
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
- Micro VC
- Founded
- Founded in 2022
- Approximate age
- About 4 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- April 23, 2026
Official channels
Find HopStone Capital elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
HopStone Capital as a funder
Investment thesis
Provides non-dilutive seed micro-grants to JHU-affiliated founders while giving student members hands-on VC experience — deal sourcing, diligence, investment decisions, and post-investment support. Mission is to strengthen the Johns Hopkins entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Focus narrative
HopStone Capital focuses on empowering early-stage and venture-aspiring businesses within the Johns Hopkins community. It provides non-dilutive grants to founders, allowing them to receive funding without giving up equity. The organization also offers mentorship, workshops, and connections to assist founders post-investment.
Value beyond capital
HopStone Capital provides mentorship, workshops, and connections to assist founders post-investment, enhancing their chances of success in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $6,000–$10,000
- Sweet spot
- $6,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Sectors
- HealthcareBiotech & Life SciencesArtificial IntelligenceFintechEducationConsumerCommerce & Retail
- Regions
- North America
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 15
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include Aquapitas, CurveAssure, Aptabridge, Somnair, Drul, BIOLINCO, Semaphor, Tastee Tape, MedSetGo, NovvaCup, Yadiko, Nursetech, Tunnel, InfernoGuard, NervMyo, Fetal Therapy Technologies, and SinuStim.
Common questions
What to know about HopStone Capital
Upseed classifies HopStone Capital under the Micro VC 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
April 23, 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.