New Orleans Startup Fund

Overview

The New Orleans Startup Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) evergreen seed fund established by Greater New Orleans area business and financial leaders to accelerate the growth of early-stage, innovative businesses into venture-ready companies. The Startup Fund’s mission is to create jobs and economic prosperity for the 10-parish region of Greater New Orleans by providing seed capital and business assistance to early-stage firms that demonstrate significant growth potential. The Startup Fund follows the model of successful venture development funds in cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and New York, but it is specifically focused on the particular needs of the Greater New Orleans business environment. This model combines seed funding with substantial mentorship and operational assistance, better ensuring the sustained success of individual portfolio companies and of The Startup Fund. The Startup Fund is different from typical investment funds in two key ways: it is “evergreen” – all profits are reinvested back into the program, and while it is crucial that the fund’s investments have good returns, the primary measure of success is not traditional ROI but the creation of a strong portfolio of companies able to attract follow-on financing and the development of the capital ecosystem, both local (angel) and external (venture capital).

Investment Focus

• Southeast Louisiana based business and entrepreneurs
• Looking to raise $250,000 and $1,000,000 of growth capital
• Open to equity or debt investment vehicles
• Have completed their research and prototype phases
• Have initial revenues and initial customer validation
• Have a long term, sustainable competitive advantage through Intellectual Property or similar assets
• Have some skin in the game in the form of friends/family/founder investment

Portfolio Companies