Phirst Market Ventures
Venture capitalPhiladelphia · Pre-Seed–Seed · 3 people tracked
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.
Team · 3 people
from public directories
What they invest in
from 4 of 12 portfolio companiesConsumer ×4Direct to Consumer ×2Circular Economy ×1E-commerce ×1FoodTech ×1Impact & Social Good ×1Media & Entertainment ×1Travel & Hospitality ×1
HQs:United States×2
Investments · 12 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathHandbags and wallets rooted in travel, cultural awareness, and blending style with utility.
Transforms innovative ideas into medical products to expand patient access to solutions that restore, repair or rebuild damaged cornea tissue.
An innovation-focused venture founded in 2014 by an investor and executive coach with experience coaching venture-backed founders.
Elari makes plant-based cereal and snacks made from tigernut root, offering allergy-friendly options for children and general consumers.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTech
A plant-based manufacturer highlighting the impact of the Tigernut root on the body and planet.
Provides analysis and strategic insight to the philanthropic and social sector through tools for collaboration, tracking, and data analysis.
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
Honey Blowout sells honey-based pre-shampoo ("prepoo") hair treatments and moisturizers designed to protect hair during heat styling, with plans to add its own shampoo and conditioner line.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerce
Philly Experiences is a Philadelphia-based tour and social events brand offering private mural/art, history, food, and shopping tours, cultural events, digital travel guides, and all-inclusive day trips centered on Black communities and businesses.
ConsumerMedia & EntertainmentTravel & HospitalityPhiladelphia, US
Satin headscarves designed to protect and maintain healthy hair growth.
A technology-free after-school program using games and activities to build confident math learners.
Co-investorsLighthouse Network Ventures Llc
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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