Hula Community
Partners Fund
Capital that accelerates
Vermont’s innovation journey.
Mission
Hula Community Partners Fund invests in founders building the next generation of Vermont’s innovation economy.
About
Hula Community Partners Fund is a $10M venture investment fund that pairs capital with community to ensure that Vermont entrepreneurs and startups have the fuel they need to scale and thrive.
Hula Community Partners Fund was established in partnership with the Vermont Economic Development Authority, through the US Treasury's Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Program, and made possible with generous support from University of Vermont Department of Research and Economic Development and engageCFO.
Investment Criteria
The Hula Community Partners Fund backs scalable, mission-aligned Vermont companies with strong growth potential, investing in businesses that meet defined criteria to drive inclusive economic impact and long-term value creation statewide.
We invest in companies rooted in Vermont — or building roots here — that contribute to long-term economic and job growth.
We invest primarily in pre-seed, seed, and Series A companies — when early capital can meaningfully accelerate growth and position businesses for future investment.
We back companies built for growth — solving real problems in meaningful markets with business models capable of scaling beyond initial customers or regions.
We prioritize investments that expand access to opportunity — including founders, markets, and communities that have historically had limited access to capital or innovation resources.
We invest where our capital helps unlock momentum — attracting additional funding, accelerating company development, and strengthening the broader innovation ecosystem.
Explore Our Process
Our process is transparent and founder-centered. See each stage below for a detailed overview of what to expect.
Founders complete a brief intake form to introduce their company. Our team reviews each submission for alignment with the Hula Community Partners Fund’s investment criteria and program requirements.
Our team will review your intake form and follow up by email with next steps. If there’s a potential fit, we’ll invite you to a 30–45 minute introductory conversation at Hula. If we decide not to move forward, we’ll let you know — and when possible, connect you with other people or resources that may be helpful.
For companies moving forward, we’ll share a list of materials to upload to the data room.
We conduct reference checks and engage advisors and subject-matter experts to address final questions and deepen our understanding ahead of a decision.
Our team evaluates the opportunity and aims to deliver a decision within 30 days of completing the data room review.
More Than Capital— The Hula Network
Founders will have access to Hula’s powerful network of members, mentors, operators, and advisors eager to help Founders build enduring Vermont companies.
People are Talking
Testimonials from founders and collaborators who have worked closely with our team and felt the difference of thoughtful, mission-aligned capital in action.
As the founder of EngageCFO and a long-time member of the Hula community, I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative Hula can be for entrepreneurs building businesses in Vermont. From the day I joined, I’ve had access to not only world-class amenities and flexible workspace, but also a vibrant and supportive community of founders, operators, investors, and advisors who are eager to see each other succeed.
Craig Ross
EngageCFO
In addition to space to work, Hula has provided a vibrant network of founders, operators, and experts who have wrapped their arms around me and my business with generous support. From financial modeling, to operational and staffing guidance, to insightful strategic conversations with members of the Hula leadership team, my growth plan is supported by a truly collaborative circle.
Clarina Cravins
Preppi Eatery & Marketplace
The Hula team are system builders with a clear vision for inclusive, place-based economic development via catalytic support for early-stage entrepreneurs, including those connected to the V-GaN Tech Hub and UVM Biolabs Innovation Center.
Kirk Dombrowski, PhD
University of Vermont
More than just a workspace, Hula is a true ecosystem. Over the past six months, Hula has served as the primary beta-testing site for Out to Lunch, and the feedback, engagement, and real-time use cases provided by Hula members have been critical in shaping the product and informing our go-to-market strategy. Dozens of Hula members have contributed directly to the platform's development, whether by providing technical insights, marketing ideas, or simply showing up to test the app and offer feedback over lunch.
Brock McFerron
Out To Lunch
