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Phirst Market Ventures

Venture capital

Philadelphia · Pre-Seed–Seed · 3 people tracked

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Investment thesis

Phirst Market Ventures backs early-stage (seed and pre-seed) companies led by underestimated founders, with a core focus on startups having at least one black or brown female founder or C-suite executive. The firm looks for diverse teams, big ideas targeting $1B+ markets, and companies pursuing product-market fit where it can be the first institutional capital. It is industry agnostic but concentrates where its team can add value. Geographically it invests along the central Atlantic coast from Washington, DC to New York City, giving preference to Philadelphia-based companies, and aims to support businesses that positively impact local economies. It offers integrated capital through grants, loans and patient equity.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 7, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Seed
Check
$10K – $250K
HQ
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Leads rounds
Follows
Instruments
Equity · Debt · Grants
Tracked investments
12

Team · 3 people

from public directories

What they invest in

from 6 of 12 portfolio companies

Consumer ×4Direct to Consumer ×3E-commerce ×2AI & Machine Learning ×1Circular Economy ×1FoodTech ×1Future of Work ×1HR Tech ×1

HQs:United States×4

Investments · 12 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path
Bright Venturesbrightventures.io

An innovation-focused venture founded in 2014 by an investor and executive coach with experience coaching venture-backed founders.

Lenore Champagne Beirne(Founder)in

Drinkelaridrinkelari.com

Elari produces a fiber-rich breakfast cereal made from tigernuts (root vegetables) and rice, formulated to be allergen-free and naturally sweet without artificial ingredients.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness

KennySola

Empact Dataempactdata.com

Provides analysis and strategic insight to the philanthropic and social sector through tools for collaboration, tracking, and data analysis.

Grantblvdgrantblvd.comin

Grant Blvd was a Philadelphia-based fashion company founded in 2017 that designed and produced garments using sustainably sourced materials while employing individuals facing barriers to work and paying living wages.

Circular EconomyConsumerImpact & Social GoodPhiladelphia, US

Kimberly

Honeyblowouthoneyblowout.com𝕏

Honey Blowout is a direct-to-consumer hair care brand that sells branded hair products including the Honey Blowout and Melt product lines.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceNew York, US

Carla Clarkson(Founder)in

Philly Experiencesphillyexperiences.com

Philly Experiences offers cultural tours, food experiences, and community events in Philadelphia that center Black history, art, and local businesses.

ConsumerMedia & EntertainmentSocialTravel & HospitalityPhiladelphia, US

Chrissy Watts(Founder/Experience Curator)in

Sledge Scarvessledgescarves.com

Sledge Scarves sells scarves and offers "The Strand Sistah," an AI companion, on a subscription basis bundled with scarf purchases.

AI & Machine LearningDirect to ConsumerE-commerce

Tribajatribaja.co

Tribaja is a talent marketplace and community connecting under-supported tech professionals with employers, training providers, and mentorship opportunities.

Future of WorkHR TechMarketplaces

Co-investorsLighthouse Network Ventures LlcVisible Hands

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

AshayBiolaticeElariTrapezium Math Club

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Phirst Market Ventures made?
Phirst Market Ventures has 12 tracked investments.
What stage does Phirst Market Ventures invest at?
Phirst Market Ventures invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
What is Phirst Market Ventures's typical check size?
Phirst Market Ventures typically writes checks of $10K – $250K.
What sectors does Phirst Market Ventures focus on?
Phirst Market Ventures focuses on Consumer, Direct to Consumer, HR Tech, Impact & Social Good, SaaS.
Where is Phirst Market Ventures located?
Phirst Market Ventures is headquartered in Philadelphia, US.
Does Phirst Market Ventures lead rounds?
Phirst Market Ventures typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.

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