1517
Venture capitalActively deployingTelluride · Pre-Seed–Seed · 5 people tracked
Investment thesis
1517 Fund backs founders based primarily on their potential and character rather than credentials or educational pedigree. The firm targets uncredentialed founders solving hard problems, college dropouts, and renegade scientists working on software, hardware with data components, deep tech, and biotech. The fund views traditional credentials and institutions as gatekeepers that unnecessarily limit talent identification and seeks to democratize access to capital by supporting founders others overlook, particularly those pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 5 people
from the firm's websiteCo-founder and general partner of 1517 with approximately a decade of experience working with young entrepreneurs. She led design and operations at the Thiel Fellowship starting in 2010 and previously founded and directed Innovations Academy, a charter school in San Diego.
Co-founder and general partner at 1517 dedicated to challenging credentialing gatekeepers, particularly those in the DC-to-Boston 'paper belt' that controls visas, incorporation, media, and diplomas.
Partner at 1517 who founded WayPaver Foundation, a nonprofit think tank focused on lunar settlement. He previously worked at the Thiel Fellowship leading community development and has never pursued a university degree.
Partner at 1517 Fund who occasionally writes on various topics on his Substack newsletter.
Operations Partner at 1517 Fund responsible for ensuring a positive and inclusive community, supporting leadership, overseeing operations, and building relationships with portfolio founders and investors.
Investments · 6 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathFrequently asked questions
- What stage does 1517 invest at?
- 1517 invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What is 1517's typical check size?
- 1517 typically writes checks of $50K – $1M.
- What sectors does 1517 focus on?
- 1517 focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Deep Tech, Hardware, SaaS.
- Where is 1517 located?
- 1517 is headquartered in Telluride, US.
- Does 1517 lead rounds?
- Yes, 1517 leads investment rounds.
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