Hawthorn Equity Partners

About The Fund

Hawthorn Equity Partners, also known as Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, is a government organization dedicated to supporting innovative entrepreneurial endeavors and manufacturing excellence in the 21-county region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. With over 40 years of experience, the firm's mission is to build an ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial success. The firm specializes in providing debt and equity financing to startups, early-stage companies, and businesses looking to expand. They operate with a focus on several industries, including software, IT and TMT, media, and business solutions. The firm's investment specialties include seed funding, startup support, and early-stage and expansion funding for promising ventures. They offer services tailored to startups and aspiring entrepreneurs, which include capital investment, business expertise, and access to infrastructure support. For manufacturers, they render strategic and technological support, funding opportunities, and market expansion strategies. In addition to these services, Ben Franklin Technology Partners manages an Incubator Network that offers co-working spaces and community collaboration initiatives. Their Business Support program assists established businesses with access to business experts, networking events, and growth strategies. The firm manages various funding initiatives, such as the Go PA Fund, Innovation Partnership, Investor Network, and the Life Science & Healthcare Technology Fund. The firm's investments are designed to catalyze job creation, technological advancement, and sustained economic growth within the state of Pennsylvania. They also facilitate an array of events and networking opportunities for regional entrepreneurs and investors, including the annual Venture Idol event.