Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization established in 1982 that focuses on fostering the development and adoption of new technologies in the region. For over 30 years, it has served as a key provider of seed-stage capital, investing more than $170 million in over 1,750 regional technology companies, many of which have achieved industry leadership. In addition to financial support, Ben Franklin promotes university and industry partnerships that facilitate the commercialization of scientific discoveries. The organization is dedicated to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southeastern Pennsylvania, thereby creating jobs and enhancing the technology community.

Jason Bannon

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Jonathon Beschen

Managing Director

Patrick J. Foley

Former Member of Physical Sciences Investment Advisory Committee

Elaine Fulton

Receptionist & Operations Assistant

Richard E. Genzer

Investor

Mark de Grandpre

Investor

Jennifer Hartt

Managing Director

John A. Loftus

Director

Tristan Ly

Director of Portfolio Administration

Adare Mcmillan

Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant Treasurer

OMAR G. MENCIN, DBA

Managing Director

Douglas R. Petillo

Member of Information Technology Investment Advisory Committee

Aston Pierce

Investor

Charles M. Robins

Director

Stephen Spinelli

Director

Kate Srinivasan

Client Engagement Manager

Mark S. Trabbold

Director of Business Development

Past deals in Food Processing

Opertech Bio

Venture Round in 2014
Opertech Bio has developed a revolutionary approach to taste testing, a multi-billion market covering the food and beverage, flavor ingredients, pet food, and pharmaceutical industries.

EnviroKure Incorporated

Seed Round in 2014
EnviroKure Incorporated manufactures and distributes pathogen-free liquid organic fertilizers for agriculture, hydroponic, professional turf, and home and garden applications. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Brad’s Raw Foods

Seed Round in 2014
Brad’s Raw Foods offers a range of raw veggie chips, leafy kale, and other healthy food products. These snacks are available in flavors such as cheddar, hot kale, red bell pepper, Indian, sun dried tomato, vegan cheese, natural nacho, garlic, jalapeno, and more. Brad’s Raw Foods won the award for the Most Innovative New Product at the Natural Products Expo East in 2011. The company operates an online store and offers its products via many other retail outlets as well. Brad’s Raw Foods was founded in 2009 in the United States.

Real Food Works

Seed Round in 2013
Real Food Works is dedicated to helping people live healthier by eating more plant-based whole foods. It offers a new kind of subscription program, featuring wholesome, delicious, nutritionally optimized meals prepared by local independent restaurants and delivered fresh to our customers each week. The program philosophy is best described by author Michael Pollan: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Food is prepared by a network of local independent restaurants. Each partner creates dishes that reflect their own culinary vision yet still meet strict nutritional requirements. Meals arrive fresh, ready to eat, in individual portions of breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Dishes are offered in a rotating weekly menu of 25 different options each week, with a wide variety of cuisines represented.