Adaptation Ventures Launches to Fund Accessibility Tech Startups
The assistive technology market is booming, projected to reach substantial growth by 2030. Yet, founders creating technology for people with disabilities often struggle to secure early-stage funding. Adaptation Ventures aims to bridge this gap.
This new angel investor group focuses on early-stage accessibility tech startups. It supports companies building products specifically for people with disabilities, as well as those with broader market appeal that also benefit this community.
Founded by Disabled Entrepreneurs
Adaptation Ventures was co-founded by Brittany Palmer and Rich Palmer, both former startup founders, angel investors, and people with disabilities. They understand the challenges firsthand.
Brittany experienced the funding gap while raising capital for her previous company, Beeyonder, which offered virtual travel experiences for people with disabilities.
Venture capital firms didn’t understand the disability community, its size, or the market opportunities. Founders in the disability tech space share a similar experience.
Rich, former co-founder of Gravyty, observed the same sentiment as an angel investor at Launchpad Venture Group.
We saw the opportunity and met incredible founders. We needed to find a way to get them capital.
From Venture Fund to Angel Group
Initially, the Palmers sought to raise a traditional venture fund. While they gained some traction, interest waned amidst changing narratives around diversity, equity, and inclusion. They realized high-net-worth individuals preferred direct involvement with startups.
We've both benefited from angel investors. We realized there were no angel groups focused on this space. No one was providing that crucial first money.
Investment Strategy and Focus
Adaptation Ventures plans to invest a minimum of $250,000 in each company, with options for co-investing. Quarterly meetings will feature startup pitches, followed by due diligence for selected companies.
Their investment strategy focuses on "making the big stuff smaller and the expensive stuff cheaper." This includes companies like ReBokeh, which builds assistive technology for people with low vision. It also encompasses companies with broader applications that benefit people with disabilities, such as Tonal, which makes exercise more accessible.
With their combined experience, the Palmers are uniquely positioned to support this underserved market. Their personal experiences with disability further fuel their commitment.
I'm a brain aneurysm survivor with temporary and permanent disabilities. Brittany is a bilateral amputee. We've attracted founders in this space and invested as angels for years. The odds are against these founders getting funding, so we had to do something.
