About this programme
Slater Technology Fund is an evergreen, not-for-profit seed fund that has backed early-stage technology ventures in Rhode Island since 2000. It is run by Managing Director Thorne Sparkman, who focuses on early-stage, university-based commercialization projects, and Director Bob Chatham, who brings sales and marketing experience from nine technology companies. A ten-member board and eight venture advisors, drawn from Rhode Island's universities and business community, support the fund.
The fund looks for founders building in software, energy, and life sciences, with a stated interest in technologies aimed at the world's biggest problems. It often provides the first outside money into a company, and it requires that the business commit to building and basing its operations in Rhode Island.
Since its founding, Slater-invested companies have gone on to raise $690 million in follow-on funding and produced 33 acquisitions, and the fund's broader network of 50-plus portfolio companies has raised a combined $1.15 billion in private funding and generated 38 acquisitions or liquidity events.
How it works
Slater invests as a seed-stage investor, typically leading or co-investing alongside other funds and often serving as the first institutional check into a company. Beyond capital, the fund takes board or advisory positions and helps with customer and investor introductions, recruiting, and connections to its network of partners, which includes Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, the Cambridge Innovation Center, and the Cherrystone Angel Group.
The site does not publish a specific check size, equity percentage, or standard term sheet; those details are set case by case with each founding team.
Who can apply
The venture must be at the seed or early stage, often the earliest 'first money in' point, and frequently originates from regional academic or government research.
It must be in software, energy, or life sciences.
The company must commit to building and basing its operations in Rhode Island.
How to apply
- There is no formal application process published on the site. Founders are directed to reach out through the fund's Contact page.
Frequently asked
What stage does Slater Technology Fund invest at?
Seed and early-stage, often as the first institutional money into a company.
What sectors does Slater invest in?
Software, energy, and life sciences.
Does my company need to be based in Rhode Island?
Yes. The fund requires a commitment to building and basing operations in Rhode Island.
How do I apply?
There is no formal application form. Reach out through the fund's Contact page to start a conversation.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.