DreamIt Ventures and BFTP partner to keep startups in Philly with “DreamIt Plus”

DreamIt Ventures has proved it can incubate successful startups. Now it turns to a greater challenge: keeping them in Philadelphia.
The University City-based startup incubator is partnering with Ben Franklin Technology Partners to create “DreamIt Plus” an investment fast track for DreamIt grads to ensure they have access to the follow-on capital that often drives incubated companies to move out of the city when graduating DreamIt.
“The startups coming out of the DreamIt program have great momentum. However, since the entrepreneurs come from around the world, the lack of quick follow-on capital can cause them to leave the area,” said BFTP president RoseAnn B. Rosenthal in a press release yesterday.
The partnership creates an easy path for local follow-on investment by Ben Franklin and local angels to help support the company as it seeks its Series A financing round. Participating angels include Duck Duck Go founder Gabe Weinberg. DreamIt companies then receive access to all of Ben Franklin’s resources, such as office space and mentorship, creating a “grad school” of sorts.
The announcement is the latest in a busy year for the incubator. DreamIt opened its doors in New York City for the first time and has announced a partnership with Comcast Ventures to incubate minority-led companies in its Fall session in Philadelphia.