Fundraising Fox

The Innovation Space

Accelerator

Wilmington · Pre-Seed–Seed · 31 people tracked

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Investment thesis

The Innovation Space helps early-stage, science-based startups grow by providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory space and scientific equipment, expert coaching, and connections to partners and investors. It targets life science, clean technology, and advanced materials companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. Through The First Fund, it offers up to $200k in investment resources combining cash, business-building expertise, and lab access. Additional programs include Spark Factory, a virtual pitch and mentoring event for new founders, and the Science Inc. accelerator, a cohort-based virtual program for early-stage science startups. The organization emphasizes community, curated events, and hands-on support to help founders scale.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Seed
Check
$200K
HQ
Wilmington, US
Leads rounds
Follows
Instruments
Equity · Grants
Last 12 months
1 investment
Portfolio companies
109

Team · 31 people

from the firm's website
Casper Vroemen· Chief R&D Officer, Global at IFFin

Board of Directors member; Chief R&D Officer, Global at IFF.

Kelvin Lee· Institute Director, NIIMBL at University of Delawarein

Board of Directors member; Institute Director of NIIMBL at the University of Delaware.

Kevin Myers· Deputy Chief of Policy, Governor Matt Meyerin

Board of Directors member; Deputy Chief of Policy for Governor Matt Meyer.

Marty DeGroot· Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer at DuPontin

Board of Directors member; Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer at DuPont.

Patrick Callahan· Head of Data and Analytics and Innovations at Labwarein

Board of Directors member; Head of Data and Analytics and Innovations at Labware.

Founder mafia

3 people who came through The Innovation Space went on to found or lead other companies.

What they invest in

from 86 of 109 portfolio companies

Biotech ×44Healthtech ×34Deep Tech ×24New Materials ×23Medical Devices ×22Cleantech ×19Hardware ×13Advanced Manufacturing ×9

HQs:United States×39Australia×1Canada×1China×1Israel×1Türkiye×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 51 portfolio companies
47%
solo founders
24 of 51 mapped founding teams
~2 yrs
old at investment
median across 10 dated deals

Founding team size:solo founder×242 founders×203 founders×54+ founders×2

Portfolio companies · 109 tracked

alumni founders can tell you what the program is really like

By year:2026 · 12024 · 22023 · 12022 · 610 dated

Prelude Therapeuticspreludetx.comin𝕏NASDAQ: PRLD

Prelude Therapeutics is a precision oncology company developing cancer treatments for areas of high unmet need, with a pipeline including selective KAT6A degraders and mutant-selective JAK2V617F JH2 inhibitors.

BiotechHealthtechNewark, US

Krishna Vaddi(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardDavid Bonita(Director of Issuer)inPaul Friedman(Director of Issuer)

Co-investorsOrbiMed

4Thphasetech4thphasetech.com

4th Phase Technologies develops a chemically densified carbon nanotube (DCN) membrane sheet used for filtering chemicals from liquids, with applications ranging from hazardous waste treatment to water purification.

CleantechDeep TechNew MaterialsWilmington, US

Acrobiosystemsacrobiosystems.com

Co-investorsPuhua Capital

Adesisincadesisinc.comin𝕏

Adesis provides contract chemistry services, including custom synthesis and process development for complex molecules, high-purity monomers, deuterated compounds, peptides, oligonucleotides, and custom linkers.

Advanced ManufacturingBiotechNew Materials

Scott Knorr(President and General Manager)in

Airjouletechairjouletech.comin

AirJoule develops sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting technology that extracts water from air, positioned to cool next-generation data centers and address water constraints in water-stressed regions.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechNewark, US

Matt Jorein

Co-investorsRaptor Group

Ajayaajaya.bioinApr 2024

Ajaya Bio develops bispecific therapies designed to eliminate disease-driving cells while sparing healthy ones, using its BOLT-360 discovery platform built around hybrid binders, precise activation, and advanced linkers.

BiotechDeep TechPhiladelphia, US

Mohit S.(Founder)inMohit Sachdeva(Executive Officer, Director)in

Co-investorsBen Franklin Technology Partners

Akeroakerotx.comin𝕏

Akero develops engineered protein therapies for metabolic diseases, particularly MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) and other conditions with high unmet medical need.

BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices

Co-investorsAtlas VentureForesite CapitalFrazier Life SciencesScion Life SciencesvenBio PartnersVersant Ventures

Ally Powerallypowerinc.com

Ally Power is a hydrogen production startup developing hydrogen and electric refueling stations, including a project in the Philippines and partnerships in the UAE.

CleantechClimate TechEnergyMaryland, US

Walt(Founder)Hadeel Ibrahim(Chief Strategy Officer)Solomon Saul(Director)Thomas Mierzwa(Director)Alfred

Aloe Therapeuticsaloetherapeutics.comMar 2024

Aloe Therapeutics develops AIM-001, a localized cell-based immunotherapy implanted at a tumor site during biopsy or resection surgery to activate the immune system and make patients more responsive to checkpoint immunotherapy.

BiotechHealthtechDarnestown, US

Martha Sklavos(Executive Officer, Director)in

Amalgentamalgent.cominApr 2022

Amalgent is a clinical-stage pain management company developing oral combination drug therapeutics that repurpose existing medications to improve the safety of severe pain treatment.

BiotechHealthtechChapel Hill, US

Malcolm A Meyn(Executive Officer, Director)Sam Tetlow(Co-founder, President & Executive Chair)inMalcolm Meyn(Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer)Gerald(Chief Medical Officer)Andrew(Chief Finance Officer)in

Aneurystaneuryst.com
Antelopesurgicalantelopesurgical.comin

Antelope Surgical Solutions develops multimodal small-molecule radioligand agents that bind to cancer cells for diagnostic, radiotherapeutic, and fluorescence-guided surgical use, making tumor margins visible to surgeons during operations.

BiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesNew York, US

Amy Wu, MD, FACS(Founder)in

Anvigenanvigen.com

Anvigen develops biodegradable polymer-based microcapsules that can encapsulate chemical additives, bacteria, pheromones, and fertilizers after synthesis.

AgTechCleantechNew Materials

Dr. Sumedh P. Surwade(Founder and CEO)in

Apasomicsapasomics.comin

APASOMICS develops Apasomes, a drug delivery system using hydroxyapatite nanospheres designed to deliver bone-targeting medications like bisphosphonates more effectively while reducing side effects, for patients with osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

BiotechDeep TechMedical Devices

Mavis Montero Villalobos(CEO & Co-Founder)

Co-investorsGRIDX

Applied Atomicswixsite.com

Applied Atomics develops, builds and operates 100 MW-1 GW light-water nuclear plants co-located with industrial customers.

Co-investorsApollo Informal InvestmentElevate VenturesHEC Paris IncubatorInnovation UBCInventures Investment PartnersLotte Ventures+7 more

Ardan Pharmaardan-pharma.com

Ardan Pharma is a biotech company developing small-molecule modulators of the TMEM176A/B cation channel as a targeted cancer immunotherapy for oncology indications with unmet medical needs.

BiotechHealthtechDelaware, US

Baleenabaleena.net

Online casino and sports betting platform operating in Turkey, offering slot games, live casino, and esports betting with mobile and web-based access.

ConsumerGamingIstanbul, TR

Ballydel Technologiesballydel.com

Ballydel Technologies develops novel materials and manufacturing processes for use in pharmaceutical, defense, energy, and consumer goods applications.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechNew Materials

Breatheasy MIISTmiisttherapeutics.comin

Miist develops inhaled microparticle therapeutics that deliver medicine to the bloodstream in 30 seconds, targeting conditions like migraine, pain, and anxiety where rapid onset is critical.

BiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesAlameda, US

Eric Ezerins(Cofounder, Head of Technology)inDalton Signor(Cofounder, CEO)inRandy Krebs(Executive Officer)Jeffrey Schuster(Chief Technology Officer)Evan Alfano(Director)

Co-investorsFREEFLOW

Carbon Reformcarbonreform.comOct 2022

Philadelphia, US

Joanne Norris(Executive Officer, Director)Nick Martin(Executive Officer, Director)Jo Norris(Cofounder)

BoardAmy Duffuor(Director)in

Co-investorsAzolla Ventures

Carbovoltcarbovolt.com
Cartwheelgocartwheel.comin

Cartwheel makes lice-treatment and related personal care products for children, formulated with tested ingredients and marketed as safe and natural.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerWellness & Fitness

Joanna Shu(Co-Founder & CEO)inLisa Malina(CFO)in

Co-investorsAggie Angel Network

Cellbioenginescellbioengines.comin𝕏

Cell BioEngines is a clinical-stage biotech company developing allogeneic "off-the-shelf" cell therapies from "super donor" stem cells, using transgene-free scalable manufacturing and HLA-guided design.

BiotechHealthtech

Ajay Vishwakarma(Founder)inAlexey Bersenev(Founder)in

Cellergypharmacellergypharma.com

Cellergy Pharma develops immunotherapies for patients with severe allergic disease and cancer.

BiotechHealthtech

Ronald Dudek(President & Founder)Mark Ma, PhD(CSO & Founder)Chris Cano(Chief Executive Officer)

Chiimatherapeuticschiimatherapeutics.comin𝕏

Chiima Therapeutics is a biotech company developing first-in-class, non-hormonal therapies for women's health conditions with unmet needs, including endometriosis, pre-term labor, and PCOS.

BiotechFemTechHealthtech

Clean Valley CICcleanvalleycic.comin

Clean Valley develops modular biofilter and hatchery systems for land-based aquaculture, aimed at improving production, sustainability, and community impact for farmers.

AgTechCleantechClimate TechUnspecified, CA

Nicholas LaValle(Founder & CEO)Hunter Bishop(Co-Founder & CTO)

Cocoafibercocoafiber.com

CocoaFiber converts cocoa pod husks from chocolate production into regenerated cellulose textile fibers using a proprietary wet-chemistry process.

Advanced ManufacturingCircular EconomyNew Materials

Shannen-Kaylia Henry(Founder · Inventor · Lead Process Developer)

Cosmos Pharmaceuticalsfortiskap.comin

FortisKap makes a fingerprint-secured connected cap for standard prescription vials that logs who opens a medication, when, and how many pills remain, producing time-stamped adherence data.

Digital HealthHardwareMedical DevicesMiddletown, US

Joseph W. White(Executive Officer, Director)Alexander M. Colton(Executive Officer, Director)Philip McBride(Engineering Lead / CosmosRx Software)inMelissa(Commercialization Executive)in

BoardBart Edmunds(Director)Christian Colton(Director)

Cqmedicalcqmedical.comin

CQ Medical develops patient positioning and immobilization products used in radiation therapy, including devices for brachytherapy, SBRT, SRS, and proton treatments.

HardwareHealthtechMedical Devices

Crosshair Therapeuticscrosshairtherapeutics.com
Crystrontechcrystrontech.comin

Crystron Tech publishes technical analysis of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode manufacturing, examining how the olivine crystal structure drives process and quality-control complexity across cathode active material production.

Deep TechEnergyNew Materials

Cytatxcytatx.com

Cyta Therapeutics develops polymer-based nanogel therapeutics (IntelliGels) to treat obesity, NASH, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices

Bernadette C. Fendrock(Chief Executive Officer, founder)W. Stephen Faraci(Chief Scientific Officer, founder)S. Thayumanavan(Co-founder)

Delaware Polymer R & Ddelawarepolymer.com
Discova Healthdiscova-health.com
Dunya Analyticsdunya-analytics.comin

Dunya Analytics offers enterprise risk analytics software that assesses businesses' impacts and dependencies on local ecosystems, helping companies identify nature-related vulnerabilities, prioritize investments, and produce disclosures.

Climate TechData & InfrastructureSaaSWilmington, US

Megan Pillsbury(Founder & CEO)Megan Haarbauer Pillsbury(Executive Officer, Director)Dr. Rebecca Stern(Chief Science Officer)

BoardB. Holt Thrasher(Director)

Co-investorsKDX

Ecocarbonsecocarbons.org

Eco Carbon converts post-consumer plastic waste into porous carbonaceous materials such as activated carbon, molecular sieves, and graphite for industrial applications.

Circular EconomyCleantechNew MaterialsBala Cynwyd, US

Ecovalericecovaleric.comin

Ecovaleric develops electrochemical manufacturing technology to produce biomass-derived chemicals and materials, including solvents, polymers, and fuel additives, at competitive cost and lower emissions.

CleantechNew Materials

Roberta LeãoinAdam HolewinskiinWill Lucasin

Elventechelventech.netin

Elven Technologies develops FireGuard™, a fireproof composite material that withstands temperatures up to 2000°C, for use in transportation, construction, aerospace, and specialized applications requiring fire and heat protection.

CleantechHardwareNew Materials

Endoshuntendoshunt.cominNov 2022

EndoShunt develops a catheter-based device to control hemorrhage in traumatic vascular injuries, featuring a length-adjustable occlusion zone, temporary deployment, and an atraumatic tip.

HardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesLincoln, US

Michael Finn-Henry(President and Member of Board of Directors)inJeremy Levin(Director)

BoardMilad Behbahaninia(Member of Board of Directors)Olivia Busk(Member of Board of Directors)

Co-investorsNew York AngelsOcterra Capital

Ephemeron Labsephemeron-labs.com

Ephemeron Labs provides hardware and software accessories that add EBIC (electron-beam-induced current) measurement capability to scanning electron microscopes, including sensitive preamplifiers, sample interfacing and shielding, and a scan controller.

Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors

Terrence McGuckin(Founder)in

ExPrimaryexprimary.com

Exprimary develops bioanalytical instrumentation and assay products at reduced cost for research and diagnostic markets.

BiotechDigital HealthMedical DevicesRockville, US

Sean Higgins(Executive Officer, Director)Holly Atlee(Executive Officer)Scott Stelick(Executive Officer)

Extravebioscienceextravebioscience.com
Flow Medicalflowmedical.coin

Flow Medical develops technology for catheter-directed thrombolysis treatment of pulmonary embolism, aiming to improve precision in lytic medication dosing to reduce readmission rates.

Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesChicago, US

Jonathan Paul(Co-Founder, Chief Scientific Officer)inOsman Ahmed(Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer)in

Co-investorsHARPER COURT VENTURES

GeneLancet Biosciencesgenelancetbio.com

GeneLancet develops proprietary LgRNA technology for precise gene editing, with applications in CRISPR polymerase-directed therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases and cancers with unmet medical needs.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtech

Sheri Linin

Graftablebiograftablebio.com
Harmonypharmagroupharmonypharmagroup.comin

Harmony Pharma Group provides CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and controls) consulting for small molecule and antibody drug conjugate development, offering technical, regulatory, and quality strategy from early bench work through clinical stages to commercialization.

BiotechHealthtech

Hartlonhartlon.com

HARTLON manufactures a drug-eluting resorbable vascular stent that provides temporary radial support to arteries during disease treatment and dissolves after healing is complete, leaving the artery in its natural state.

Medical DevicesNewark, US

HX Innovationshxinnovationsinc.com𝕏
ImmunoBlueimmunoblue.com

ImmunoBlue develops nanoimmunotherapies for cancer treatment by combining nanotechnology and immunotherapy.

BiotechDeep Tech

Rohan Fernandes, PhD(Founder, CSO)Lizie Sweeney, PhD(CEO)Varnika Roy, PhD(Head of Development)

Immunovximmunovx.com
Inveritek textinveritek.com

InveriTek provides high-throughput chemical screening using freshwater planarians, detecting systemic toxicity, neurotoxicity, and ecotoxicity through behavioral phenotyping in whole organisms.

BiotechCleantech

Kinectxionskinectxions.com

KinectXions works with strategic partners to develop and commercialize sustainable products, focusing on manufacturing technology to improve performance and lower cost.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechClimate TechNew Materials

Kipostechkipostech.com

KiposTech develops a filterless, chemical-free air biosecurity system for confined animal agriculture that eliminates airborne pathogens and gives livestock producers visibility into air quality.

AgTechClimate TechHardware

Hema Ravindran(Co-founder & CEO)inRaj Singh(Co-founder, Product Design and Innovation)in

Lakril Technologies Corporationlakril.comin

Lakril develops catalytic technologies to convert biomass into renewable chemicals for use as alternatives to petroleum-derived building blocks.

Circular EconomyCleantechDeep TechNew MaterialsChicago, US

Christopher P. Nicholas(Founding Partner / CTO / Director)inPaul J. Dauenhauer(Founding Partner & Chief Technical Advisor)Justin Brown(CEO / Director)in

BoardLisa Dufresne(Director)inMel Luetkens(Director)inAndy Shafer(Director)in

Co-investorsEvergreen Climate InnovationsService Provider Capital

Laradatxlaradatx.com

Lara DaTx is a company focused on developing targeted treatments for unmet medical needs.

Biotech

Layermetricsinclayermetricsinc.com

LayerMetrics develops opto-photonic sensing and metrology technology for real-time optical measurement and process control.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware

Clare(Owner & Co-Founder, CEO)inDom(Co-Founder & CTO)in

Co-investorsLaunch NY

Lectrolystlectrolyst.comin𝕏

Lectrolyst develops patented electrolyzer technology that converts carbon dioxide emissions into multi-carbon chemicals such as acetate and ethylene, partnering with carbon emitters and chemical consumers to produce everyday products including edible protein and plastics.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechFoodTechNew MaterialsWilmington, US

Greg Hutchings(Co-founder & President)Feng Jiao(Co-founder & Scientific Advisor)

Ledaleda.coin𝕏Mar 2022

Leda provides self-administered DNA testing kits and related services for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, aiming to improve evidence collection and support for survivors.

HealthtechImpact & Social GoodBrooklyn, US

Liesel Vaidya(Executive Officer, Director)Madison Campbell(Executive Officer, Director)

Co-investors2B.VCCalm/Storm VCHypothesisStone Mountain VenturesGaingelsHelm+1 more

Lignolixlignolix.com
Lisenidlisenid.comin𝕏

LisenID develops a molecular diagnostics test and platform that uses Loss of Imprinting (LOI) epigenetic biomarkers combined with AI to detect and predict cancer from routine tumor biopsy samples across multiple cancer types.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechHealthtech

Dr. Ning Zhou(Co-Founder and Chairman)Dr. Tina Cheng(Co-Founder and CTO)Hannah Zhou(Partner & CEO)

Exits · 1

IPOs and acquisitions across the tracked portfolio

Prelude TherapeuticsNASDAQ: PRLD

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has The Innovation Space made?
The Innovation Space has 108 tracked investments, including 1 dated in the last 24 months.
What stage does The Innovation Space invest at?
The Innovation Space invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
What is The Innovation Space's typical check size?
The Innovation Space typically writes checks of $200K.
What sectors does The Innovation Space focus on?
The Innovation Space focuses on Biotech, Cleantech, Climate Tech, Deep Tech, Healthtech, New Materials.
Where is The Innovation Space located?
The Innovation Space is headquartered in Wilmington, US.
Does The Innovation Space lead rounds?
The Innovation Space typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Who does The Innovation Space co-invest with?
The Innovation Space most often shares deals with Atlas Venture, Health Wildcatters, Maryland TEDCO, among 50 tracked co-investors.

Images

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