Status
ACTIVE
Global HQ
Telluride, United States
Countries of investment
- United States
Investment stages
- Seed
Industries
- Technology
- Deep Tech
- Science
About
1517 Fund is an early-stage investor championing unconventional, often non-traditional founders such as dropouts and autodidacts who are pursuing bold, disruptive ideas. The firm deploys capital across frontier technology sectors, catalyzing breakthrough startups and nurturing new pathways to innovation outside classic credentials.
1517 Fund is an early-stage investor championing unconventional, often non-traditional founders such as dropouts and autodidacts who are pursuing bold, disruptive ideas. The firm deploys capital across frontier technology sectors, catalyzing breakthrough startups and nurturing new pathways to innovation outside classic credentials.
Investment Thesis
1517 Fund invests in founders who have taken unconventional paths, including dropouts and non-traditional entrepreneurs, focusing on early-stage technology startups aiming to disrupt markets with bold ideas.
Manager's Experience
Co-founded by Danielle and Michael, the team pioneered the Thiel Fellowship in 2010 and focuses on backing founders without traditional degrees who push limits in science, tech, and entrepreneurship. They support early-stage founders closely with hands-on mentorship and pre-seed funding before formal deal documents, fostering some high-profile successes.
Team
Danielle Strachman – General Partner & Co-Founder
Michael Gibson – General Partner & Co-Founder
Zak Slayback – Partner
Nick Arnett – Partner
Haylee Johnson – Operations Partner
Portfolio
Luminar
Loom
Lambda
QuEra
Onshape
Fountain
Snyk
Cents
Deepgram
Calm
Radiant
Presso