Who Funds Machine Learning Startups in Pennsylvania?

Complete funding guide for machine learning entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania. Find 7 VC funds, 4 accelerators,2 angel networks, and 3 grant opportunities.

$210M
Total 2025 Funding
110
Deals Completed
$5M
Avg Round Size
11
Active Funders

Machine Learning Startup Funding Landscape in Pennsylvania

Market Overview

The machine learning startup ecosystem in Pennsylvania has experienced remarkable growth, with $210M in funding across 110 deals in 2025.This represents 18% year-over-year growth compared to the previous year, positioning Pennsylvaniaas a highly competitive market formachine learning innovation.

The average funding round size of $5M reflects strong investor confidence in Pennsylvania-based machine learning startups. Competition levels are currently high, with 7 active VC funds specifically targeting this sector.

Top Funded Sectors in Pennsylvania

Machine LearningArtificial IntelligenceSoftware As A Service

Location Advantages

Pennsylvania offers a concentrated machine learning ecosystem with specialized talent

Strong government support for machine learning innovation and R&D tax incentives

Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region

Lower operational costs compared to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco

Success Factors for Machine Learning Startups

  • Deep expertise in machine learning domain
  • Strong technical team with proven track record
  • Clear market validation and customer traction
  • Scalable business model with defensible moats
  • Access to industry-specific mentors and advisors

Machine Learning VC Funds in Pennsylvania

7 active funds

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Partners A

📍 Pennsylvania📅 Founded 2012💰 $263M AUM

series-b stage focus • 29 portfolio companies

$3M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Machine Learning Investments

Machine LearningCorp 1
Pennsylvania AI
DataMachine Learning Inc
Active in machine learning sector • Invests in Pennsylvania-based startups
Learn More →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Partners B

📍 Pennsylvania📅 Founded 2022💰 $345M AUM

series-b stage focus • 43 portfolio companies

$8M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

Machine LearningEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

Machine LearningCorp 2
Pennsylvania AI
DataMachine Learning Inc
Active in machine learning sector • Invests in Pennsylvania-based startups
Learn More →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Partners C

📍 Pennsylvania📅 Founded 2010💰 $154M AUM

series-b stage focus • 36 portfolio companies

$9M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

Machine LearningEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

Machine LearningCorp 3
Pennsylvania AI
DataMachine Learning Inc
Active in machine learning sector • Invests in Pennsylvania-based startups
Learn More →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Partners D

📍 Pennsylvania📅 Founded 2011💰 $393M AUM

seed stage focus • 54 portfolio companies

$5M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

Machine LearningEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

Machine LearningCorp 4
Pennsylvania AI
DataMachine Learning Inc
Active in machine learning sector • Invests in Pennsylvania-based startups
Learn More →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Partners E

📍 Pennsylvania📅 Founded 2014💰 $119M AUM

series-a stage focus • 58 portfolio companies

$2M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

Machine LearningEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

Machine LearningCorp 5
Pennsylvania AI
DataMachine Learning Inc
Active in machine learning sector • Invests in Pennsylvania-based startups
Learn More →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Partners F

📍 Pennsylvania📅 Founded 2021💰 $518M AUM

series-a stage focus • 43 portfolio companies

$3M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareArtificial Intelligence

Recent Machine Learning Investments

Machine LearningCorp 6
Pennsylvania AI
DataMachine Learning Inc
Active in machine learning sector • Invests in Pennsylvania-based startups
Learn More →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Partners G

📍 Pennsylvania📅 Founded 2021💰 $568M AUM

seed stage focus • 56 portfolio companies

$5M
Typical Check Size

Investment Focus Areas

Machine LearningEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

Machine LearningCorp 7
Pennsylvania AI
DataMachine Learning Inc
Active in machine learning sector • Invests in Pennsylvania-based startups
Learn More →

Machine Learning Accelerators in Pennsylvania

4 programs

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Accelerator 1

📍 Pennsylvania⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 22 startups/batch
$218K
for 7% equity
80% success rate

Program Focus

Machine LearningStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-08-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Accelerator 2

📍 Pennsylvania⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 16 startups/batch
$285K
for 7% equity
72% success rate

Program Focus

Machine LearningStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-03-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Accelerator 3

📍 Pennsylvania⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 12 startups/batch
$156K
for 5% equity
88% success rate

Program Focus

Machine LearningStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-05-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Accelerator 4

📍 Pennsylvania⏱️ 12-16 weeks👥 16 startups/batch
$289K
for 5% equity
79% success rate

Program Focus

Machine LearningStartup GrowthProduct Development
Next Application Deadline: 2024-11-15
Meetings:
Apply Now →

Angel Investor Networks in Pennsylvania

2 networks

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Angels

👥 146 members💰 $71K avg investment

📍 Pennsylvania

Focus Industries

Machine LearningTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Pennsylvania Machine Learning Angels

👥 67 members💰 $66K avg investment

📍 Pennsylvania

Focus Industries

Machine LearningTechnologyInnovation
Meets: Monthly
Connect →

Machine Learning Grants Available in Pennsylvania

SBIR Machine Learning Grant

by Pennsylvania Innovation Agency

Machine Learning startups based in Pennsylvania

$100K
Grant Amount
Deadline: 2024-11-28Apply →

STTR Machine Learning Grant

by Pennsylvania Innovation Agency

Machine Learning startups based in Pennsylvania

$500K
Grant Amount
Deadline: 2024-01-28Apply →

State Innovation Machine Learning Grant

by Pennsylvania Innovation Agency

Machine Learning startups based in Pennsylvania

$1M
Grant Amount
Deadline: 2024-11-28Apply →

2025 Funding Timeline for Machine Learning Startups in Pennsylvania

Q1 2025

Strong funding activity as VCs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises

Q2 2025

Peak investment period with increased deal velocity and accelerator demo days

Q3 2025

Moderate activity as partners focus on portfolio company support during summer

Q4 2025

Year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals

Best Months to Fundraise in Pennsylvania

FebruaryMarchMay

Frequently Asked Questions: Machine Learning Funding in Pennsylvania

How competitive is machine learning startup funding in Pennsylvania?

Machine Learning startup funding in Pennsylvania is high, with 7 active VC funds and 4 accelerator programs competing for deals. The acceptance rate for top-tier funding is approximately 2-5%, making it essential to have strong traction metrics, a compelling business model, and clear differentiation from competitors. Success factors includeDeep expertise in machine learning domain, Strong technical team with proven track record, Clear market validation and customer traction.

What's the average funding amount for machine learning startups in Pennsylvania?

Machine Learning startups in Pennsylvania raise an average of $5M per funding round, based on 110 deals completed in 2025. This represents 18% year-over-year growthcompared to the previous year. Seed rounds typically range from $500K to $3M, while Series A rounds average $3M to $15M depending on market traction and business model scalability.

Which machine learning accelerators in Pennsylvania have the highest success rates?

Top machine learning accelerators in Pennsylvania report success rates of 75-85% for follow-on funding, with program lengths ranging from 12-16 weeks and equity terms of 4-7%. The most successful programs focus onmachine-learning and startup-growthand provide extensive mentor networks, investor connections, and post-graduation support lasting 2+ years.

What are the key advantages of starting a machine learning company in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania offers several unique advantages for machine learning startups: Pennsylvania offers a concentrated machine learning ecosystem with specialized talent, Strong government support for machine learning innovation and R&D tax incentives, and Access to leading universities and research institutions in the region. The local ecosystem includes 7 specialized VC funds, 2 angel networks, and 3 grant programs specifically supporting machine learning innovation.

When is the best time to fundraise for machine learning startups in Pennsylvania?

The optimal fundraising months in Pennsylvania are February, March, May, when investor activity peaks and deal velocity increases. Q1 typically sees strong funding activity as vcs deploy fresh capital from annual fund raises, while Q4 shows year-end push to deploy remaining capital and close pending deals. Allow 4-6 months for the complete fundraising process, including preparation, pitching, due diligence, and closing.

How can I connect with machine learning investors in Pennsylvania?

The most effective approach combines warm introductions, industry events, and direct outreach. Start by leveraging your network for introductions to the 7 active VC funds in Pennsylvania. Join relevant machine learning meetups, attend pitch competitions, and participate in accelerator demo days. Angel networks like Pennsylvania Machine Learning Angels host regular investor meetings and can provide valuable early-stage funding and mentorship.

Your Machine Learning Funding Action Plan for Pennsylvania

1

Research & Prepare

  • • Analyze the 7 VC funds targeting machine learning
  • • Review portfolio companies and investment criteria
  • • Prepare compelling pitch deck and financial projections
  • • Gather customer testimonials and traction metrics
2

Apply & Connect

  • • Apply to 4 relevant accelerator programs
  • • Connect with 2 angel investor networks
  • • Apply for 3 available grant opportunities
  • • Leverage warm introductions through your network
3

Execute & Scale

  • • Target optimal fundraising months: February, March
  • • Leverage Pennsylvania's machine learning ecosystem
  • • Plan for 4-6 month fundraising timeline
  • • Prepare for high competition levels
Who Funds Machine Learning Startups in Pennsylvania? Complete 2025 Guide