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Connecticut Innovations Future Fund
Minority-Owned · Connecticut Innovations · CT
The Connecticut Innovations Future Fund is a $50 million equity investment program from Connecticut Innovations that invests $250,000 to $1.5 million in early-stage, tech-enabled Connecticut startups led by underrepresented founders, in exchange for equity rather than as a grant.
The Connecticut Innovations Future Fund is a $50 million equity investment fund run by Connecticut Innovations, the state's quasi-public venture capital arm. It is designed to address the underfunding of women, Black, and Latinx founders by making direct equity investments into early-stage, tech-enabled startups based in Connecticut.
Unlike a traditional grant, this program invests capital in exchange for equity in the company. Initial investments typically range from $250,000 to $1.5 million per company, with the possibility of follow-on funding as the business grows. A required element of participation is co-investment, meaning the startup must also secure matching or complementary funding from other investors to be considered.
This program is aimed specifically at pre-seed and seed-stage startups that are considered venture-backable — meaning they show potential for significant growth and are structured in a way that appeals to venture capital investors. For small business owners and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds building a technology-driven company in Connecticut, this fund represents a source of substantial early capital that many traditional grant programs do not offer.
Because this is an equity investment rather than a grant, founders should understand that accepting this funding means giving up a percentage of ownership in their company. The exact terms, current round availability, and updated eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with Connecticut Innovations, as investment programs like this often have rolling or periodic application windows rather than fixed deadlines.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
Neither — it's an equity investment, meaning Connecticut Innovations provides capital in exchange for a stake in your company.
Do I have to repay the money?
No repayment is required, but you give up equity/ownership in your business instead.
How much funding can I get?
Initial investments typically range from $250,000 to $1.5 million, with follow-on funding possible.
Who is eligible?
Early-stage, tech-enabled Connecticut startups led by underrepresented founders, with required co-investment from other sources.
Do I need to be based in Connecticut?
Yes, this program is limited to Connecticut startups.
What industries qualify?
The fund targets tech-enabled, venture-backable startups.
Is co-investment required?
Yes, applicants must secure co-investment alongside the Future Fund's capital.
When is the deadline?
There is no fixed deadline listed; check current investment rounds at the official site.
Who runs this program?
Connecticut Innovations, the state's quasi-public venture capital organization.
Is the funding amount guaranteed?
No, exact terms depend on the specific deal and should be confirmed with Connecticut Innovations.
Is this funding taxable?
Confirm at the source, as this is not addressed in the available information.
Where do I apply?
Through the Connecticut Innovations website at https://ctinnovations.com/program/future-fund/.
What stage of company qualifies?
Pre-seed and seed-stage startups are the target.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Connecticut Innovations; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.