GRANT · POSSIBLE LATER INVESTMENT
1517 Fund
1517 Medici Project
Independent editorial profile; DNA Future is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution unless expressly stated. A $1,000 unconditional grant for young builders; any later VC investment is a separate decision.
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01
THE INSTITUTION
What is 1517 Fund?
1517 Fund is an early-stage venture firm built around founders working outside conventional credentials.
It backs young and nontraditional founders, especially technical builders at a very early stage.
1517 Fund was founded in 2015 by Danielle Strachman, Michael Gibson and Nick Arnett after work supporting young founders through the Thiel Fellowship.
1517 reports four flagship funds, more than 15 special-purpose vehicles and over $175 million of committed capital.
Early investments include Luminar, Loom, nTop and Cents. The firm concentrates on young, technical and nontraditional founders before conventional credentials or traction.
The Medici Project remains the small-grant entry point. Its $1,000 grant is unconditional; a later 1517 investment requires a separate investment decision.
02
THE PEOPLE
Who leads 1517 Fund and this program?
Danielle Strachman
Co-founder and General Partner
Formerly helped run the Thiel Fellowship and co-founded 1517 Fund.
Michael Gibson
Co-founder and General Partner
Investor and author focused on founders pursuing unconventional paths.
The Medici page presents the project as a 1517 team initiative rather than naming one current director.
03
THE PROGRAM
What is 1517 Medici Project?
The Medici Project gives selected young builders a small, unconditional grant to start making progress.
04
WHO IT IS FOR
Who should consider it?
- Students, dropouts and nontraditional founders
- Primarily North America because of grant restrictions
- People who can show active building, not only an idea
05
SUPPORT
What do you get?
- $1,000 unconditional grant
- Feedback and entry into the 1517 network
- Possible later conversation with the fund
Do not misread this
Receiving the grant is not the same as receiving a 1517 venture investment.
06
PUBLIC EVIDENCE
What does the public record show?
Early investments include Luminar, Loom, nTop and Cents. The firm concentrates on young, technical and nontraditional founders before conventional credentials or traction.
How to read this evidence
Examples show institutional or program history. They do not predict admission, funding, ownership terms or outcomes for a new applicant.
07
APPLICATION
How do you apply?
- Submit the Medici form
- Show what you are building
- Use the grant without milestones or equity
- Treat later investment as a separate process
DNA Future research note. This is an independent editorial profile based on official sources. Program terms and availability can change; the institution’s current materials take precedence.
Last reviewed · 13 October 2026