Capital, Knowledge, Networks

With a focus on the entrepreneur as the ultimate engine of growth, Ben Franklin Technology Partners delivers crucial financial and business resources for technology-driven enterprises in Pennsylvania.

BFTP provides direct funding, business assistance and networking opportunities to early-stage and established firms throughout Pennsylvania, many of which have revolutionized their industries and gone on to become global leaders. Among them are Aethon, Analytical Graphics, Computer Aid, Cephalon, Linear Acoustic, The Neat Company, OraSure, RedPath and Vivisimo. As a result, tens of thousands of jobs have been created and retained in industries whose pay scales are 33 percent higher than the average salary in Pennsylvania as a whole.

Our four regional headquarters (Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College) support and execute the Commonwealth’s technology agenda, build on regional strengths, capitalize on new opportunities and address the specific needs of our diverse communities.

Capital

Ben Franklin Technology Partners makes direct investments in promising, technology-oriented companies throughout the Commonwealth to fund critical commercialization activities and growth needs. Thanks to our rigorous vetting process, a BFTP investment often serves as a key endorsement to other funding sources, enabling companies to attract the follow-on investment they need to move beyond start-up and into full-fledged commercialization. BFTP is also an investor in select seed/early-stage PA venture funds, provides support for angel groups and is involved with initiatives designed to give new entrepreneurs the tools they need to get started.

Knowledge

BFTP couples its financial commitment with access to a wide range of mentoring, business and technology development services. We deliver hands-on technical and business expertise, providing both early-stage and established companies with a wide range of business and technical assistance. This includes business plan reviews, technical assessments, intellectual property counsel, marketing advice, operations and fund-raising strategies.

Networks

BFTP seeds the formation of valuable business and technology networks that bring together the ideas and the operational talent to grow new businesses in Pennsylvania. The organization succeeds in this goal by creating and fostering partnerships among numerous individuals, companies and organizations, including:

• Entrepreneurs
• Angel investors and venture capitalists
• Business incubators and university-based centers of excellence
• State, regional and local business assistance and economic development organizations
• University, corporate and federal research labs