Seed Grants Program

Seed Grants Program is sponsored by The Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET). The Seed Grants Program funds technology-enabled startups and entrepreneurs in Vermont seeking to scale their ventures. VCET provides capital through its venture funds alongside business coaching, mentorship, and workspace access.

The program is particularly suited for startups in AI, biotech, and related high-growth fields.

Vermont Seed Capital - VCET - Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. The Farmer Companies / Company Spotlight The Farmer Companies is a private equity firm that licenses, invests in, and acquires brands with the potential to expand into new markets.

A year ago, we wrote about searching for the Next Big Thing to invest in. So, here’s an update on the companies and teams in which we have placed recent venture capital bets. But, first some context.

Park Software / Company Spotlight One evening, frustrated by the hassle of calling or emailing to book a campsite, Rylan wondered why there wasn’t an easier way to reserve online. John responded like any true entrepreneur: “Let’s build it. ” VCET makes early stage investments into Vermont-based teams and companies.

Our aim each year is to make a few select investments into undeniable founders who are offering a specific insight within inevitable markets . Our approach is to be authentic, empathetic, and a trusted expert for innovators and founders. View a selection of these companies below: $9M Vermont Growth Fund 2 (2024) $6M Vermont Seed Capital Fund 1 (2010) Funds are evergreen for revolving investments.

VCET can fund you alone (or join a syndicate); lead a transaction (or not), and take a long-term view. We have been through the “start, scale, and sale” lifecycle, and are with you until you are bought or buried. Vermont-based teams and operations, tech-enabled and scalable.

Most all sectors and some fund eligibility conditions exist. We evaluate the Team (Why you?) , Tech (Why this?)

, Timing (Why now?) , and the transaction’s Terms (What benefit?) We do our best to give clear and candid decisions on our level of investment interest and eligibility for funding.

We don’t like formal pitches, nor do we need flashy slides. Just come as you are with what you’ve got. Firms will be reviewed for Fund eligibility, suitability, team, and an initial opportunity assessment.

A response declining to pursue, offering alternative funding sources, or seeking follow up information typically results. Firms experience an in-depth review and assessment on their markets, business model, financials & capital path, existing & prospective management team, technology & products, sales & distribution, and comparative advantages, among other areas.

Transaction structure, valuation, terms, corporate and legal due diligence and remaining questions are completed. If an investment is considered desirable and fund objectives can be attained, then an Investment Recommendation is prepared for the Investment Committee and any invited domain or subject matter experts. The independent Investment Committee has final determination on the proposed term sheet and investment recommendation.

This committee is responsible for the approval of all investments. Adding Value and Infrastructure VCET is actively engaged with firms on building teams, accessing critical first customers, strategic partnerships, corporate strategy, networking and training opportunities, mergers and acquisitions, and executive mentoring.

All of which lowers burn rates, lowers investment risk, hastens progress towards “value-changing” events, and increases probabilities for market-based returns and success as Vermont-based employers. Follow-On Capital and Investment Exit For most seed stage firms, follow-on funding is necessary to achieve their potential.

We offer an exceptional network of local, regional, and national venture firms, corporate investors, angel investors, grant and debt options to fund firm growth and next stage development. Our team will be involved in sourcing follow-on capital and active regarding exit and liquidity opportunities.

Tell us about your company If you are interested in investment from the VCET funds, or in finding another local source for an immediate need, then please tell us about your company: venture@vcet. co (not . com).

Hey, and while you’re at it, here is a sheet of other Vermont-based investors and startup resources. Vermont Based Investor Spreadsheet