By Irv Cohen, Co-Founder, Seedfunders
After decades on Wall Street, I’ve reviewed more financial models, earnings calls, and investment decks than I can count. But nothing compares to the work I get to do now—partnering with founders at the earliest stage of their journey.
At Seedfunders, we don’t wait for a startup to hit $1 million in ARR or scale a national sales team before we lean in. We’re the only investment group in Florida that targets companies with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and little to no revenue. We get in early—when founders need capital, yes, but more importantly, when they need people who believe in them and are willing to help shape their path forward.
The Unique Value of Early-Stage Investing
Early-stage investing is not just about getting in “cheap” and hoping for a big return. It’s about engagement, mentorship, and shared growth. Seedfunders was built on the idea that investors can do more than write a check—we can provide critical support, open doors, ask tough questions, and celebrate the wins alongside the founders we back.
For investors, it’s a different experience. You’re not just watching your investment from afar—you’re at the table, influencing product direction, hiring decisions, go-to-market strategies, and more. It’s active. It’s personal. And frankly, it’s incredibly rewarding.
A Seat at the Table
When you join Seedfunders, you’re not just joining an investment firm. You’re joining a community of experienced operators, executives, and professionals who want to roll up their sleeves. We do deep diligence together. We debate. We mentor founders. We help build companies.
That sense of ownership—of truly being part of something—is what makes this model different. It’s what attracted me to Seedfunders and what keeps me excited every time we meet a new founder with a powerful vision and the grit to make it real.
Bridging Experience with Purpose
Many of our partners are retired or semi-retired executives who still have a lot to give. Seedfunders provides an outlet for that energy—an opportunity to use decades of experience to accelerate the success of young companies while also investing in Florida’s future economy.
There’s also a philanthropic thread that runs through what we do. By funding early-stage startups—especially those led by underrepresented founders or tackling community challenges—we’re not just building portfolios. We’re building ecosystems.
The Seedfunders Model Works
Since launching in 2018, Seedfunders has invested in nearly 50 startups across Florida. Many of those companies have gone on to raise follow-on capital at significantly higher valuations, validating both the founders and our model. And just as important, we’ve built lasting relationships—between investors, between mentors, and between founders and their first true believers.
Final Thought
Early-stage investing isn’t for everyone. It requires patience, conviction, and a willingness to get involved. But for those who want more than passive returns—who want to be a partner in creation—there’s nothing more fulfilling.
At Seedfunders, we don’t just invest in startups. We invest in people, in possibilities, and in the future of Florida innovation. And we invite others who share that mindset to join us.