# Company Ventures – NYC’s Community-Driven Early-Stage VC
High-Level Overview
Company Ventures is a New York City-based early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to building and supporting technology-driven startups, with a strong focus on healthcare, fintech, and enterprise software. Their mission centers on fostering inclusive, values-driven innovation by backing founders who are solving real-world problems with scalable solutions. The firm’s investment philosophy emphasizes community, ethical leadership, and long-term sustainable growth, not just financial returns. By prioritizing underrepresented founders and embedding itself in the fabric of NYC’s tech ecosystem, Company Ventures has become a catalyst for equitable access to capital and resources in the city’s startup scene.
Their impact is felt across the broader ecosystem through programs like the Grand Central Tech Residency and the Boost Founder Fellowship, which provide mentorship, office space, and operational support to early-stage teams—without requiring equity. This approach has helped hundreds of startups raise billions in follow-on funding and has positioned Company Ventures as a leader in shaping a more diverse and resilient tech landscape in New York.
Origin Story
Founded in 2016, Company Ventures emerged from a vision to create a venture firm that was as much about community as it was about capital. The firm was co-founded by Matt Harrigan (CEO and Managing Partner), Michael Milstein (Executive Chair), and Nelson Boone Schubart (Head of Investments), all of whom brought deep experience in tech, venture, and startup operations. From the outset, the team prioritized building a platform that would empower founders—especially those from historically underserved backgrounds—to succeed.
A pivotal moment came in 2014 with the launch of the Grand Central Tech Residency, a zero-rent, zero-equity program that offered startups access to premium office space and a vibrant community of builders. This initiative set the tone for Company Ventures’ “give-first” ethos and laid the foundation for its reputation as a firm that invests in people, not just ideas. Over time, the firm expanded its focus to include targeted fellowship programs and a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech.
Core Differentiators
- Community-Centric Model: Company Ventures operates one of the largest no-equity, free-rent founder residencies in the U.S., embedded in a 1M+ sq ft Manhattan tech campus.
- Inclusive Investment Approach: The firm actively supports underrepresented founders through initiatives like the Boost Founder Fellowship, in partnership with NYCEDC.
- Hands-On Support: Beyond capital, Company Ventures provides strategic guidance, mentorship, and operational resources to help startups scale.
- Track Record of Success: Portfolio companies have collectively raised over $3.7 billion from top-tier investors, with a strong presence in healthcare, fintech, and enterprise software.
- Ethical Leadership: The firm champions DEI and helps startups build inclusive cultures from day one.
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Company Ventures is riding the wave of urban tech innovation and the growing demand for more equitable access to venture capital. As New York City continues to emerge as a global tech hub, the firm’s focus on community, diversity, and early-stage support aligns perfectly with the city’s economic development goals. The timing is critical: with rising awareness of funding disparities and the need for more inclusive innovation, Company Ventures is helping to reshape the narrative around who gets to build the future of tech.
Their influence extends beyond individual startups, as their programs and partnerships are setting new standards for how venture firms can contribute to the health and resilience of the broader ecosystem. By lowering barriers to entry and fostering collaboration, Company Ventures is helping to ensure that the next generation of tech leaders reflects the diversity of New York City itself.
Quick Take & Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Company Ventures is well-positioned to continue driving change in the venture capital landscape. As the demand for inclusive, community-driven investment models grows, the firm’s unique approach will likely attract even more founders and partners. Trends like the rise of AI, digital health, and fintech will further amplify their impact, especially as they double down on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The future of venture capital is not just about returns—it’s about building a more equitable and innovative world. Company Ventures is leading the charge in New York, proving that when you invest in people and community, everyone wins. Their journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven venture, and their influence will only grow as the tech ecosystem evolves.