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Rand Capital

North America, New York, United States, Buffalo

Description

Rand Capital Corporation, a publicly traded Business Development Company (BDC) based in Buffalo, New York, has been a long-standing player in the venture capital landscape since its establishment in 1969. As a BDC, it operates under the Investment Company Act of 1940, providing capital to small and medium-sized businesses. The firm primarily targets companies located within New York and its surrounding states, aiming to foster regional economic growth through strategic investments.

Rand Capital's investment philosophy centers on identifying companies with robust fundamentals and significant growth potential. They seek out businesses that demonstrate a strong, experienced management team, a proven and scalable business model, and a well-defined trajectory towards profitability and expansion. While not strictly sector-limited, their portfolio spans diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and business services, reflecting a broad approach to identifying promising ventures.

The firm's typical initial investment ranges from $1.0 million to $3.0 million, providing crucial early-stage and growth capital. However, Rand Capital possesses the flexibility to participate in larger funding rounds, extending their capacity to invest up to $5.0 million in select opportunities. This flexible approach allows them to support companies at various stages of their development, from those requiring initial seed funding to more mature businesses seeking growth equity.

As of September 30, 2023, Rand Capital's total investment portfolio at fair value stood at $68.5 million, underscoring their substantial commitment to their portfolio companies. At that same date, their portfolio comprised 14 distinct companies, showcasing a focused yet diversified investment approach. These figures highlight Rand Capital's active role in deploying capital to support innovative and growing businesses within their target regions.

Investor Profile

Rand Capital has backed more than 48 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 12 rounds, about 25% of its total and boasts 15 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series B, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Health Care, Manufacturing.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (38%)
  • Series B (17%)
  • Seed (15%)
  • Series A (13%)
  • Series C (8%)
  • Series D (6%)
  • Convertible Note (2%)
  • Post Ipo Debt (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Health Care
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical Device
  • Analytics
  • Social Media
  • Information Technology
  • Enterprise Software
  • Internet
  • Biotechnology
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Rand Capital frequently co-invest with?

Gefinor Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 8
Bain Capital Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 4
Excell Partners
North America, New York, United States, Rochester
Co-Investments: 3
Cayuga Venture Fund
North America, New York, United States, Ithaca
Co-Investments: 8
CI
North America, Ohio, United States, Cleveland
Co-Investments: 3
Great Oaks Venture Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Advantage Capital
North America, Louisiana, United States, New Orleans
Co-Investments: 11
CEI Ventures
North America, Maine, United States, Portland
Co-Investments: 4
Walden International
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Z80 Labs Technology Incubator
North America, New York, United States, Buffalo
Co-Investments: 5

Which angels does Rand Capital often collaborate with?

KH
North America, Florida, United States, Tampa
Shared Deals: 1
DS
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Woburn
Shared Deals: 1
KG
North America, North Carolina, United States, Charlotte
Shared Deals: 1
JT
North America, New York, United States, Ithaca
Shared Deals: 1
JF
North America, Florida, United States, Naples
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Rand Capital?

DarioHealth

New York, New York, United States

DarioHealth is a digital therapeutics company engaged in the development and commercialization of patented and proprietary technology.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMedical DeviceSoftwareTherapeutics
Post Ipo DebtMay 1, 2025
Amount Raised: $32,500,000
Centivo

Buffalo, New York, United States

Centivo offers a digital health plan aimed at self-funded employers looking to provide employees with care.

Health CareInformation TechnologyMedical
Series BDec 7, 2020
Amount Raised: $34,000,000
Centivo

Buffalo, New York, United States

Centivo offers a digital health plan aimed at self-funded employers looking to provide employees with care.

Health CareInformation TechnologyMedical
Series AJul 18, 2018
Amount Raised: $34,000,000
Tilson

Portland, Maine, United States

Tilson operates as an independent information technology project management company.

Enterprise SoftwareInformation TechnologyService Industry
Series DDec 12, 2017
Amount Raised: $1,500,000
Tilson

Portland, Maine, United States

Tilson operates as an independent information technology project management company.

Enterprise SoftwareInformation TechnologyService Industry
Series DNov 12, 2017
Amount Raised: $3,500,000
Grainful

Ithaca, New York, United States

Grainful is a food company making chef-inspired, mouthwatering entrées that bring the wholesome goodness of oats to lunch and dinner.

Food and BeverageFood ProcessingOrganic Food
Series UnknownJun 7, 2017
Amount Raised: $3,300,000
PostProcess Technologies

Buffalo, New York, United States

PostProcess Technologies is a provider of automated and intelligent post-printing solutions for additive manufacturing.

IndustrialMechanical EngineeringSoftware
SeedApr 26, 2017
Amount Raised: $4,025,000
ACV

Buffalo, New York, United States

ACV is a full-service dealer marketplace that runs online automotive auctions.

AppsAutomotiveMarketplaceMobile Apps
Series BMar 8, 2017
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
ACV

Buffalo, New York, United States

ACV is a full-service dealer marketplace that runs online automotive auctions.

AppsAutomotiveMarketplaceMobile Apps
Series ASep 19, 2016
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Genicon

Winter Park, Florida, United States

Genicon is recognized as an emerging leader in the design, production, and distribution of patented surgical instrumentation.

Health CareMedicalMedical Device
Series UnknownApr 21, 2016
Amount Raised: $2,000,000