Delaware Innovation Space

Location

Wilmington, DE

Project Name

First Fund Investment Program

Award Amount

Federal Share: $750,000
Local Match: $750,000

This EDA investment will support staffing the First Fund Investment Program to assist in: (1) expanding outreach and source more deals from a wider geography, more efficiently, and with more impact, (2) deepening due diligence to inform investment decisions and attract private co-investors, (3) and, provide portfolio companies with enhanced and dedicated support for accelerated growth.

The Delaware Innovation Space (DISI) is a home for science entrepreneurs. In 2017, the state of Delaware, DuPont, and the University of Delaware undertook a shared vision to create a non-profit organization and innovation ecosystem focused on supporting the creation and growth of scalable startups in the advanced materials, innovative ingredients, cleantech, healthcare, agriculture/nutrition, and advanced manufacturing sectors that are rapidly accelerating regional business growth and diversification of the local economy. Since its formation, DISI has cultivated an inclusive network of partners, mentors, and investors to support a diverse community of founders and over 100 startups, 700 jobs, and raised more than $1 billion in funding.