Ben Franklin Technology Partners: Catalysts for Economic Growth in PA
“This is a hub for innovative research and cutting-edge ideas.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners is giving a much-needed boost to Pennsylvania entrepreneurs. This is part of the firm foundation upon which America can build.”
—The Honorable Joe Biden
Vice President of the United States of America
“As I look back on the past 27 years of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the success stories are too numerous to count….
It boggles the mind to imagine the impact that Ben Franklin will have on Pennsylvania becoming a technology hub. What I do know is that as long as the organization continues to play its catalyzing role, the Pennsylvania economy will continue to grow—and that bodes well for all of us.”
—Austin Burke, Acting Secretary
PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development
“Our regional Ben Franklin Technology Partner is critical to fostering the growth of world-class technology companies in western PA.
Without them, both the quality and quantity of viable, growing companies would be dramatically lower. BFTP’s support of these important companies drives job growth and,
according to the SBA, is more effective than any other form of economic development.”
—Ed Engler, Partner
Pittsburgh Equity Partners
Pittsburgh Equity Partners is a venture capital fund specifically formed to grow Western Pennsylvania’s most promising early-stage companies in the life sciences and information technology industries.
“I moved to Pittsburgh from Michigan specifically because I received Ben Franklin funding for my startup robotics company in 1992.
Since then I have started four companies in Pittsburgh, including Aethon, creating over 150 jobs. I stay in Pennsylvania and continue to start businesses because there is great support here, thanks in large measure to the Ben Franklin Technology Partners.”
—Henry Thorne, Co-Founder and CTO
Thorley Industries, Pittsburgh
Thorley Industries develops innovative new products for established industries using robotics and electronic technologies. Their 4Moms brand recently formed a new partnership with global Newell Rubbermaid, enabling the company to hire more engineers, sales & marketing staff and customer service reps.
“Ben Franklin has been great to OxiCool by providing timely injections of capital and more.
OxiCool has received the constant and active benefit of a tremendously valuable stakeholder. Most investors proclaim that they give you more than money, but few select investors actually walk that talk. I can say that Ben Franklin truly lives by it on a daily basis.”
—Ravikant Barot, Founder & CEO
OxiCool, Philadelphia PA
OxiCool, in a joint R&D venture with the U.S. Navy, and under a joint development agreement with a large U.S. corporation, is developing environmentally friendly air-conditioning technologies.
“I initially applied for BFTP funding without any thought of the resources BFTP has to bring to my company.
I am extremely pleased with the program, as they have been instrumental in assisting my
company. I am excited to be part of the Virtual Energy Incubator program and believe the consortium of companies will offer a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
—John Monti, CEO
GreenTek Building Solutions, DuBois, PA
Greentek Building Solutions develops innovative eco-friendly wall, flooring and ceiling products that provide improvements in building sustainability and construction costs.
“Ben Franklin taught us about overcoming start-up hurdles.
They pulled the right resources together and went well beyond just making a financial investment in our company. Today, we employ more than 70 people at our Berks County micronizing facility. Without Ben Franklin, we wouldn’t be here today.”
—Gregg Shemanski, President
Custom Processing Services, Reading PA
Custom Processing Services is a contract processor, offering ultra-fine grinding and micronizing of chemicals, minerals, pharmaceuticals, waxes, paints, pigments and personal care products in the micron and sub-micron (nano) particle size range.
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