Propel(x)

Propel(x) operates as an online investment platform focused on connecting accredited investors with 'deep technology' startups. Founded in 2014 by MIT alumni Swati Chaturvedi and Lisheng Wang, the company was born from their experience with the MIT Alumni Angel Group, where they identified a funding gap for early-stage companies rooted in scientific discovery and significant engineering developments. Chaturvedi's background in private equity and venture capital at firms like Siemens Venture Capital and Temasek Holdings fueled her passion for supporting ventures aiming to solve major global challenges, rather than focusing on consumer apps. This led to the creation of a platform dedicated to what she termed "deep tech".

The firm's primary market consists of accredited investors in the U.S. seeking to diversify their portfolios with high-risk, high-reward opportunities that are traditionally difficult to access. Propel(x) serves startups across a wide array of sectors, including life sciences, aerospace, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and new materials. The platform provides a curated selection of investment opportunities, performing initial sourcing and due diligence to present vetted companies to its investor base. A key feature is the use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which are pooled investment funds. This structure allows multiple investors to combine their capital to meet the high minimum investment thresholds of venture deals, enabling individuals to participate with as little as $5,000.

Propel(x)'s business model generates revenue through fees charged to both investors and the startups raising capital. The company charges startups a success fee of 5-8% on the total amount raised. For investors, there are two primary models: a direct investment option, which incurs a one-time 2% platform fee, and a syndicate (SPV) option. The syndicate option involves a 7.5% upfront platform fee and a 10% carried interest upon a successful exit, which is a share of the profits. This dual-fee structure provides flexibility for investors while creating multiple revenue streams for the platform.

Keywords: deep tech investing, accredited investors, startup funding, venture capital platform, special purpose vehicles, SPV, equity crowdfunding, angel investing, life sciences startups, fintech, Swati Chaturvedi, Lisheng Wang, alternative investments, private market access, high-growth startups, syndicate investing, technology commercialization, scientific innovation funding, aerospace startups, clean technology investment