Running list
Philly Founder Resources
A running list of the business and founder resources in and around Philadelphia.
Building a business in Philly, I didn't really know where to go when I was looking for new lab space or wanted to connect with people. I have learned of some different orgs over the years and participated in quite a few events and programs. I thought I would try and keep a running list of the business/founder resources in Philadelphia to be able to share and send to folks when they might want to get plugged in. Feel free to ping me with suggestions you might add!
Lab / coworking space
CIC — Located in University City; flexible options and partnership with the Science Center.
BioLabs — Biotech lab space in Center City.
Pennovation — Home for Penn spinouts and affiliates, GRASP Lab on the third floor, space for robotics testing, bike path that connects to the Schuylkill.
The Fitler Club — Premium coworking, host of some great founder events both public and exclusive (like Founder Fridays).
NextFab — Makerspace options, ad hoc build support, or professional product development services; a full-service operation.
CultureWorks — Offers co-working space, and also provides fiscal sponsorship to non-profits.
Events + networking
The Foundry — Galvanizing young founders and stirring up momentum in Philly.
Code and Coffee — Getting the tech community together to explore Philly and support one another.
PhilaCon Valley — Creative tech events that make sure you're not afraid to attend.
Philly Tech Week — Weeklong event in late spring where Philly tech shows up and shows out.
Philly Events (Luma) — Keeping you in the know for what's happening in Philly.
Hard Tech Meetup — Hardware presentations shedding a light on what's physically getting built in Philly, plus the hard tech community.
Philly Builds AI — AI events and founder resources. Led by Grace Francisco.
Founder Fridays Philadelphia — Founders-only chat time.
VetsInTech Greater Philadelphia — A local technology community offering events, networking, entrepreneurship, and career resources for veterans and military spouses.
Philly Tech Exchange — Runs in-person Tech on Tap events and mentorship matching, helps tech professionals land new roles, and connects employers with vetted local tech talent.
Pitch competitions and accelerators
Pennovation Accelerator — Solid programming and community for early-stage teams.
Startup Lehigh Valley — Generalist pitch competition in Bethlehem, PA, giving you a sneak peek at their facility, which specializes in food startups.
Startup 302 — Delaware pitch competition that is building support for founders in the Delaware region.
NSF I-Corps Northeast Region — Federally funded entrepreneurship training program for research commercialization.
HAX — Hardware and deep tech accelerator, with a Newark location.
Community partners
Tactix Real Estate — Can help you with your real estate needs, and is often the sponsor and host of many community events.
News outlets
Technical.ly — The go-to source for Philly tech news and events.
Founder ecosystem + support
1Philadelphia — Community org connecting Philly's tech ecosystem and resources.
PACT — Shout out to their Mentor Connect program and the Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference.
Investors
Ben Franklin Technology Partners — A follow-on funding partner, powered by folks who know the ecosystem and sponsor events in the area.
NextFab Ventures — Early-stage venture arm, investing in Philly-area startups they know well and can help build.
Robin Hood Ventures — Local angel investor group.
Legal support
Detkin Legal Clinic — Penn Carey Law's pro bono IP services; the lawyers in training take the time to explain things to you.
Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic — Penn Carey Law's lawyers in training make sure you have properly set up your company.
Non-profits
Circular Philadelphia — A membership community of folks working to make Philly more circular, many of whom are startup founders.
Links to check out