Startup investors in Boston
The angel groups, seed fund and programs that take applications from Boston and New England founders, what each publishes about itself, and how to reach it.
All amounts are in US dollars.
Who invests in startups in Boston?
Boston founders can apply to two angel groups, Launchpad Venture Group for New England science and tech companies and Boston Harbor Angels, and to seed funds such as Underscore VC, which reports that about half its investments are in Boston. Techstars runs a Boston accelerator, and MIT runs delta v for student founders.
Angel networks in Boston
| Network | How it works | Who it looks for | Fees | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launchpad Venture Group | Two paths after the prescreen: Catalyst, a casual pitch event for 8 to 10 startups, and the Main Forum, where a scouting team of 4 to 5 investors prepares a company to present to the full membership. | New England-headquartered science- or tech-driven companies at pre-seed, seed or Series A raising a priced equity round, with a market of $100 million or more | Not published | Prescreen form on its site |
| Boston Harbor Angels | Reviews 100+ plans a month; 8 present at the screening meeting and 4 go on to the General Investor Meeting. | Revenue-stage or beta companies with a market of $200 million+, raising about $500,000 to $1.5 million at a pre-money valuation under $3 million | $400 one-time, if invited to the General Investor Meeting | Online application after a self-assessment |
Funds that invest in Boston startups
| Fund | Stage | Published first cheque | Focus and eligibility | How to pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underscore VC | Pre-seed and seed | Typically $500,000 to $1 million at pre-seed; $1 million to $3 million at seed | Founders applying AI to real-world problems; avoids biotech and anything needing FDA approval; likes to lead or co-lead | Introduction, campus event, or a direct email to [email protected]. Its process typically takes two to three weeks |
Programs that put founders in front of investors
- Techstars Boston. A three-month program open to all sectors, with priority for AI and machine learning, robotics, health tech, tech bio and critical infrastructure. Final deadline November 18, 2026; the program starts March 8, 2027. Techstars invests $220,000 at acceptance.
- MIT delta v. MIT's accelerator for student founders, with $75,000 in equity-free funding and a demo day and investor showcase in September. The 2026 application window ran March 1 to April 1.
Which route fits your company?
| If your situation is… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New England science or tech company raising a priced round of $500,000 to $2 million | Launchpad Main Forum | Its stated round and region |
| Revenue or beta stage, raising up to $1.5 million at under $3 million pre-money | Boston Harbor Angels | Its stated round and valuation |
| Applying AI to a real-world problem, pre-seed or seed | Underscore VC | Its stated focus |
| MIT student founder building full-time | MIT delta v | Its stated audience |
Meeting an organization's criteria means you can apply, not that it will invest.
Match your valuation to the group.
Boston Harbor Angels states a pre-money valuation under $3 million. If yours is higher, look at the other routes first.
What should you have ready before you apply?
- The Boston Harbor Angels self-assessment, completed against its criteria.
- A decision on a priced round versus a SAFE, since Launchpad asks for a priced equity round.
- A short email for Underscore covering your origin story, customer, market and business model, the topics it says it asks about in a first meeting.
For how to run the raise itself, see how to raise a seed round.
Frequently asked questions
Does Boston Harbor Angels charge founders?
Only if you're invited to present at its General Investor Meeting. The fee is $400, one time.
Does Launchpad invest outside New England?
Its stated criteria require headquarters in New England.
How much does Underscore VC invest?
Typically $500,000 to $1 million at pre-seed and $1 million to $3 million at seed.
Is MIT delta v equity-free?
Yes. It provides $75,000 in equity-free funding to student founders.