Ben News

Ben Franklin Portfolio Companies Are Headed to SXSW 2017

February 11, 2017

It’s all coming together for Philly’s second-annual presence at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2017. Led by the effort called Amplify Philly, 19 Philly-area companies have signed on to exhibit at Austin’s week-long megaconference, including many of our own portfolio companies. The interactive trade show known for being one of the most diverse, collaborative, and inventive communities in the […]

Event Recap: Fueling Philly’s Digital Health Economy Forum

February 2, 2017

On Tuesday, January 31, we co-hosted a forum titled, “Fueling Philly’s Digital Health Economy” alongside Independence Health Group and Safeguard Scientifics. The sold-out event dovetailed with our recently announced $6 million seed stage funding partnership. The forum focused on how the organizations are aiming to provide opportunities for the region’s healthcare entrepreneurs. Steve Tang, PhD., President & CEO […]

Personnel Profile: Jerry Leimkuhler Joins Ben Franklin as Entrepreneur-in-Residence

January 30, 2017

We’re proud to announce that Gerard J F Leimkuhler Jr. (“Jerry”) has recently become Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Jerry has come into Ben Franklin specifically to provide assistance to the companies in our investment portfolio. He’ll be working with our three primary sectors: Information Technology, Health and Digital Health, and Physical […]

Attention Startups: Project Liberty is Back! Apply Now.

January 27, 2017

Project Liberty is back! The incubator that once housed companies like VUID, ROAR and SocialLadder is now accepting applicants. The deadline to apply is February 10th. Once again, Ben Franklin is working alongside the Philadelphia Media Network. PMN, the parent company to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Daily News and Philly.com, will provide space for the selected startups. The incubator is seeking tech companies that can offer […]

Technology Trends We’d Like to See More of in 2017

January 26, 2017

We live in a world where new technology is constantly and consistently advancing and new companies are born every day. In 2014, the recession maintained its grasp on American ingenuity as entrepreneurship hit a 20-year low. However, according to the Kauffman Index for 2016, startup activity rebounded last year, going up for the second year in […]

Grassroots Unwired Expands Mobile-first Technology for the Greater Good

January 23, 2017

Social service providers are getting better at identifying and tracking people experiencing homelessness. This is due, in part, to having better, more efficient technology like Grassroots Unwired at the ready.

Local startup MilkCrate Nabs Several New Clients, Including Comcast

January 20, 2017

MilkCrate, a Philadelphia-based startup nearly four years in the making, has announced several major new clients, including Comcast. Founder Morgan Berman announced last Thursday that Comcast will introduce its app to a pilot group of employees this spring. A larger roll-out later this year is expected to follow the pilot. “Comcast wants employees to learn how to be […]

Clutch Raised $5.25 million and Acquired Chicago Company, Persio

January 17, 2017

Ambler-based marketing company Clutch has announced its acquisition of Chicago-based company Persio for an undisclosed amount. It also announced a $5.25 million round of funding, bringing the total fundraising to nearly $20 million. Persio, founded in 2012, is an intelligent mobile promotions platform. It has led hundreds of successful campaigns for retailers with inventive mobile marketing techniques like mobile scratch-and-win offers […]

Upcoming Event: Chime in on the Future of Health IT Growth in Philly

January 12, 2017

Last December, Philly’s potential for health IT growth got a boost. Alongside Safeguard Scientifics and Independence Blue Cross, we announced a $6 million fund for early-stage health IT companies in the Greater Philadelphia region. And now, we’re hosting a chat on what that growth should look like. On Jan. 31, execs from each of the partnering organizations will take your […]

Venture Capital’s Bold Move into Population Health

January 10, 2017

Two years ago, Raul Jain joined forces with a friend and others to create TowerView Health, a low-tech prescription management service. Now, the four founders were just named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list. Startups like TowerView, which offer practical solutions for managing populations, are attracting serious investor interest. Global population health management as […]