Led by sole investor, focused on neurodiversity, and set to expand to impact investments in Healthtech and EdTech — bringing transparency and help to families
SAN CARLOS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Divergent Investments, a San Carlos-based impact investment initiative focused on neurodiversity, today announced the launch of its initial $10 Million commitment, the majority of which is earmarked for neurodiversity related investments, with additional impact investments in family health, small business enablement in Healthtech and EdTech.
The launch of this initiative is 100% funded by longtime entrepreneur and venture capital investor Amol Deshpande, the CEO and Co-Founder of Farmers Business Network. Deshpande was formerly a partner at Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers.
Divergent Investments is a geographically agnostic initiative that will initially focus on early-stage investments only including pre-seed, seed or A round. A goal of the initiative will be to find founders off the beaten track, including in rural areas, smaller cities, and commonly overlooked regions. The common thread will be an unequivocal commitment to the mission of the business and willingness to think long term.
Today, about 20% of the American school population qualifies for IEPs. In the U.S. alone, as many as 9 million people have ADHD and more than 5 million people have been diagnosed with autism. And yet, there’s been limited funding in businesses that work to empower these individuals. The sector is overlooked and the investment and impact opportunities are clear.
“As a parent, I now realize the value of early intervention for all conditions and for education focusing on how kids learn as much as what they learn,” said Deshpande. “Divergent will write the first checks and also partner with other impact-oriented investors, family offices, companies who are trying to solve difficult, important challenges in these same areas of interest.”
“Our focus is not on making a quick flip, our focus is on investing in people, businesses, and ideas for the long-term,” said Deshpande. “We know the challenges that we are taking on cannot be solved overnight, which is why we’re looking for entrepreneurs and partners who bring mission and impact orientation.”
A full list of Divergent’s portfolio companies can be found on its website at www.investdigergent.com
About Divergent Investments
Divergent Investments is a California-based venture capital firm whose mission is to facilitate innovative, long-term solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. Focused on neurodiversity, health tech, and EdTech, Divergent partners with some of the most innovative companies to bring real, empowering solutions to the market. Launched in 2021, Divergent is led by Amol Deshpande, CEO and Co-Founder of Farmers Business Network and a former partner at Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers.
Contacts
Keith Chapman
Keith@Chappublicrelations.com
