Propel Penn State Seed Fund
For Startups
Propel Penn State Seed Fund
For Startups
Our Investment Philosophy
We invest in passionate, dedicated founders who are building the future. While we aim to invest in high-potential startups that can generate returns to sustain our mission, our primary goal is to provide an optimal experiential learning opportunity for our students. This means you’ll partner with a bright, motivated team of students who will conduct due diligence and provide fresh perspectives, all under the guidance of experienced faculty, staff, and alumni mentors.
Investment Criteria:
We prefer, but do not require, companies to be affiliated with Penn State or to be based in Pennsylvania at this time.We are industry-agnostic and seek to invest in seed-stage companies that meet the following criteria:
- Established as a legal entity in the US
- Dedicated founder team
- A minimum viable product (MVP) has been developed
- Early understanding of your target market and customers
- Annual revenue between $0 and $1M
- Current funding need is between $50K and $2M
The Process:
- Application: Submit your company information through our online application.
- Screening: Our team reviews applications to identify companies that align with our criteria.
- Student Due Diligence: If selected, your company will pitch to our student teams, who will conduct due diligence under faculty, staff, and alumni mentor supervision.
- Recommendation & Review: Student teams present their investment recommendations, which undergo multiple levels of internal review and oversight.
- Decision & Funding: Final investment decisions are made, and we proceed with the funding process.
Typical Investment:
- Check Size: $50,000 to $150,000
- Instrument: We typically invest via a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) or a convertible note.
Apply for Funding
If your company meets our criteria and you are ready to work with the next generation of business leaders, we invite you to apply. The deadline to apply is September 29, 2025.
Who should apply?
Browse our curated library of articles, videos, other publications and resources geared toward fostering entrepreneurial success
Who should apply for investment from the Propel Penn State Seed Fund?
Any seed stage startup company which aligns with the Fund’s investment criteria is welcome to apply. While the Fund prefers to invest in companies that have a Penn State affiliation or operate in Pennsylvania, it is not a requirement.
Why should my company apply for investment from the Propel Penn State Seed Fund?
You should apply if you are a high-potential startup seeking dilutive funding from Penn State University and you are open to opportunities to engage with students throughout the due diligence process. Propel Penn State Seed Fund portfolio companies will be part of an exclusive group of portfolio companies which benefit not only from investment capital but also from strategic value that comes from affinity with the Penn State ecosystem.
What if I have questions about the Seed Fund investment process?
If you have any questions, email Michael Zaydon, Propel Seed Fund Manager & Administrator, at [email protected].
Will the Seed Fund invest in startup companies already held by Penn State?
Yes. The Pennsylvania State University may hold a financial interest in companies competing for investments from the Propel Penn State Seed Fund via the Venture Capital Investment Practicum (VCIP). No special treatment shall be given to these companies, and they shall be treated like any other company in the consideration process. These financial interests have been reviewed by the University’s Institutional Conflict of Interest Committee and are currently being managed by the University.
Interested in engaging with the Seed Fund?
Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
For general questions, please fill out this contact form, or reach out to Michael Zaydon, fund manager and administrator, at [email protected].
Mailing Address:
Propel Penn State Seed Fund
c/o Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Smeal College of Business
The Pennsylvania State University
475 Shortlidge Road
Business Building, Suite 451
University Park, PA 16802
Make a Gift:
To have an immediate impact, please visit Raise Penn State
If you would like to learn more about options for giving to Smeal or how to create your own named endowment or named annually funded account to benefit Propel Penn State Seed Fund, please contact:
Sean Miller
Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations
[email protected]
814.865.7830