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Upward Venture Fund I, L.P

Equity Upside - Debt Stability

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Fund Overview

Building the Future of Innovation Capital

Upward Venture Fund I is designed to support seed- and early-stage companies in life science and technology, with a geographic focus on New Jersey and the Northeast Corridor.

Through strategic partnerships with NJEDA, universities, and federal SBA SBIC programs, Upward Venture Fund I provides investors with unique access to high-potential startups in a region rich in innovation but underserved in venture capital. Our hybrid approach combines equity investments with a structured debt sleeve, creating a balanced and resilient portfolio.

Investment Philosophy

Focused on Growth Markets

We believe the best companies are built by mission-driven founders solving critical problems. Our approach is to invest early, support actively, and leverage government-backed capital to deliver strong, risk-adjusted returns while strengthening the local innovation ecosystem

Our Philosophy is Grounded in Three Principles

  • Capital Efficiency – We back founders who can achieve meaningful milestones with disciplined capital deployment.
  • Value Creation – We provide not only capital, but also operational, strategic, and ecosystem support.
  • Impact with Returns – By investing in life sciences, clean energy, and tech, we generate both strong financial returns and positive societal impact.

Funds Structure and Returns

Balanced by Design

The fund is organized as a Delaware limited partnership with a ten-year term plus two extensions. Capital is allocated across 80% Equity Sleeve $20M for Seed & Series A equity investments, 20% Debt Sleeve $5M carved out for venture loans, revenue-based financing, and NJEDA-guaranteed facilities, enhanced by SBA leverage (up to 2:1), creating $15M deployable debt capacity.

Fund Snapshots 4

  • Fund Size:$25 million target
  • Stage Focus:Seed and early-stage
  • Check Size:$250K – $750K initial; reserves for follow-ons
  • Portfolio Size:25–30 companies
  • Geography:Primarily New Jersey; select Northeast
  • Fees 2% annual management fee
  • Carry 20% carried interest after capital return
  • Target Returns:3x net MOIC, 20%+ IRR
  • Fund Life 10 years (5-year investment period + 5-year harvest)
  • Carry 20% after return of capital
  • Sectors Life Sciences, Technology

Investment Objectives, Focus & Strategy

  • Primary Objective: Generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors by identifying and scaling high-growth startups.
  • Focus Areas: Seed-stage ventures in sectors where NJ has competitive advantages (life sciences, clean energy, tech innovation).
  • Capital Efficiency: Deploy smart capital with clear milestones and follow-on discipline.
  • Economic Development: Support NJ’s innovation ecosystem and contribute to regional economic growth

Investment Diversification & Approach

  • By Stage: Predominantly seed, with selective early-stage follow-ons.
  • By Sector: Balanced exposure to life sciences and technology.
  • By Geography: 70% NJ, 30% broader Northeast.
  • By Founder Profile: Dedicated allocation to underrepresented founders (through NJEDA SEDI programs).

 Investment Approach

  • Sourcing: Proprietary pipeline via NJ universities, accelerators, and corporate partnerships.
  • Screening: Rigorous due diligence on market size, team, scalability.
  • Value Add: Hands-on support in fundraising, governance, strategy, and scaling.
  • Exits: Strategic acquisitions, IPOs, and secondary sales, with expected realizations starting in Year 4–5.

What We Finance

  • Product Development – biotech trials, technology builds, clean energy pilots
  • Market Expansion – sales & marketing scale, hiring, and international growth
  • Working Capital – inventory, equipment, and operations support
  • Strategic Growth – acquisitions, roll-ups, and expansion capital

Why Investors Choose US

  • Hybrid Model: Balances high-growth equity with yield-focused debt
  • Government Leverage: SBA & NJEDA programs multiply capital efficiency
  • Founder-First: Active mentorship and strategic support
  • Regional Edge: Positioned at the heart of New Jersey’s innovation economy

Where We Deploy Capital

Debt + Equity - A Smarter Venture Strategy

We deploy capital into early-stage companies primarily based in New Jersey and the Northeast region, where we see strong innovation and favorable state-backed resources. Our equity investments typically range from $250,000 to $750,000 in Seed and Series A rounds, with reserves allocated for follow-on support of breakout portfolio companies. On the debt side, we provide venture loans, revenue-based financing, and NJEDA-guaranteed facilities, supporting founders with non-dilutive capital solutions while protecting downside risk for our investors.

  • Life Sciences – Biotech, medical devices, health IT (leveraging NJ’s global pharma/biotech ecosystem).
  • Technology & Innovation – AI, advanced manufacturing, fintech, and enterprise software.
  • SEDI Founders – Companies led by socially/economically disadvantaged founders (aligned with NJEDA’s SSBCI programs).
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Performance Objectives & Strategy

Strong - Risk-Adjusted Performance

Our strategy combines early-stage equity investment with a structured debt platform to balance returns and risk. We seek out founders building scalable companies, leveraging New Jersey’s R&D ecosystem and government programs to amplify investor capital. Upward Venture Fund I offers a differentiated model designed to generate superior risk-adjusted returns while strengthening the New Jersey innovation ecosystem.

  • Local Advantage: Source deals from NJ universities, incubators, and corporate R&D hubs.
  • Capital Leverage: Utilize NJEDA Angel Match, Life Sciences, and SEDI Seed funds, plus potential SBA SBIC leverage (2:1).
  • Syndication: Co-invest with regional and national VCs to reduce risk and expand networks.

Performance Objectives

  • Deliver consistent top-quartile venture returns.
  • Build a diversified portfolio across life sciences, and technology.
  • Position Upward Venture Fund as the premier early-stage fund
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Securely Begin Your Journey with Upward Venture Fund I

Welcome to Upward Capital Investment Group

Thank you for your interest in investing with Upward Capital Investment Group. This intake form is designed to help us better understand your investment profile, preferences, and eligibility across our family of funds. Whether you're seeking stable income, equity growth, or diversified exposure to alternative assets, this information ensures we provide the most suitable opportunities aligned with your goals. All responses are confidential and used solely for compliance, suitability, and onboarding purposes.

Legal Disclaimer: This is not an offer to sell securities. Offers are made only through the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM). For accredited investors only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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