Gen 1 Capital

Gen 1 Capital is a venture capital firm based in the US Midwest, specializing in early-stage deep tech investments. The firm focuses on supporting technology founders who are creating transformative and disruptive products that impact future generations. Gen 1 Capital invests in startups solving complex problems in diverse industries and large markets, including digital automation, geospatial, industrial automation, autonomous transportation, digital health, and education technologies. Their portfolio spans across sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Edge Computing, and more. The firm leverages strong ties with local technology ecosystems, corporate partners, and universities to help founders innovate and iterate. They actively invest, supplement entrepreneurs’ shortcomings, and take meaningful ownership stakes to influence outcomes. Gen 1 Capital partners with national investors to invest locally and offers programs like Next Gen Coders, Next Gen Investors, and Next Gen Founders to train the next generation in coding, investing, and entrepreneurship. Notable investments include Nervana Systems, Cobalt Robotics, and Skyryse, with significant exits such as the $400M acquisition of Nervana Systems by Intel and a $35M Series B for Cobalt Robotics. The firm collaborates with Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and Farley Center for Entrepreneurship for the Origin Stories program.