Funding

Supporting Founders With the Capital They Need

Innovation Works provides a continuum of funding designed to meet startups’ needs at every stage of growth. From pre-seed investments to follow-on funding, entrepreneurs are connected with the capital they need to bring their ideas to life and scale their businesses. Our funding programs are complemented by mentorship, resources, and connections to a network of investors and industry leaders.

Funding Sources

AlphaLab

Our nationally ranked accelerator provides early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and industry-specific resources. AlphaLab invests up to $100,000 in the form of a convertible note and receives 2% common stock equity from participating companies.

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Seed Fund

Since 1999, the Innovation Works seed fund has been the bedrock of support for Pittsburgh’s tech startups, investing $93M in 372 companies. In many cases, our investments are the first institutional checks for companies in the region. Initial investments can reach up to $250,000 to companies with longer runways and platform technologies, with some investments reaching $1 million on a pro-rata basis.

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Riverfront Ventures

Focused on technology sectors with large market potential, Riverfront Ventures co-invests with top venture firms to help startups scale. With initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 and average total investments ranging from $1 million to $1.5 million, Riverfront supports companies with proven market fit, guiding them through funding, team building, and strategic partnerships.

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Investor Opportunities

Innovation Works provides investors with access to some of the most promising startups in Southwestern Pennsylvania. By partnering with us, investors can gain:

DE-RISKED INVESTMENTS

Our rigorous vetting process ensures that startups are well-prepared to grow, with strategic guidance and support in place.

HIGH GROWTH POTENTIAL

We work with startups in industries such as robotics, life sciences, software, and advanced manufacturing — fields poised for transformative growth.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

With over $3.54 billion raised in follow-on funding and multiple successful exits, our portfolio showcases the region’s potential.

As an investor, you’ll have opportunities to co-invest alongside our programs, build relationships with founders, and contribute to the success of groundbreaking startups.

Success Stories

ActivAided Orthotics

ActivAided Orthotics has developed a line of Postural Training Apparel to eliminate back pain by training self-corrective habits.

BITARMOR SYSTEMS, INC.

BitArmor is the maker of DataControl™, a powerful software that provides a faster, easier, more cost-effective way to protect and manage sensitive data throughout any organization.

Knopp Biosciences

Knopp Biosciences is a drug discovery and development company focused on delivering breakthrough treatments in neurological disorders through innovation, experience, and partnership.

kWANTERA

kWantera provides leading-edge power management solutions to large commercial buildings, industrial manufacturers, universities, hospitals, data centers, and many other business segments.

RE2

RE2, Inc. is a leading developer of Intelligent Modular Manipulation Systems.

Wombat Security Technologies

Wombat Security Technologies, Inc. is the first and only company to offer a complete suite of anti-phishing and cyber security awareness assessment and training products that leverage progressive training techniques of professional educators to effectively improve human response against cyber-attacks up to 70%.

Get Involved

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, mentor, or community partner, there’s a place for you in our growing network. Innovation Works thrives on collaboration, and we invite you to contribute your expertise, resources, or enthusiasm to help build the future of innovation in Southwestern Pennsylvania.