The Fund at Hula:
Investing in Vermont’s Future
The Fund at Hula is a Vermont-based venture capital fund launched by Hula’s Founder, Russ Scully, and managed by Rob Lair and Tim Wall. It invests in high-growth, value-aligned startups rooted in the state. Sparked by a walk through the empty shell of the former Blodgett Oven Factory–now the Hula campus– The Fund began with a bold question: What if Vermont could grow world-class companies right here at home?
The Fund backs scalable, innovative companies that create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and deliver sustainable impact. It avoids extractive models, focusing on founders building businesses with long-term, net-positive potential.
Early investments include Beta Technologies, a standout electric aviation company that helped shape The Fund’s vision. Today, the Fund supports a growing roster of tech-driven, mission-led companies not just with capital, but through mentorship, connections, and community.
The Fund’s mission is to support Vermont companies positioned to scale, create jobs, strengthen local economies, and deliver clean, sustainable solutions for communities and the environment. No interest in junk food empires or extractive business models, just real innovation with a net-positive footprint. Additionally, several family offices and venture funds operate from Hula, and the campus is a popular meeting place for local investors as well as those traveling from the Northeast.
Want to Learn more about The Fund at Hula? Email us at thefund@hulalakeside.com
