Ben Franklin Technology Partners CEO and leadership

I love building early stage companies.

Whether it was during my 11 years as a venture capitalist at an early stage venture fund, as founder and president of a venture-backed startup, or managing director of a BDC structuring venture debt to later stage companies, I've always been passionate about building great companies.

Now, I'm in the incredible position to lead a team of investment professionals that drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the the Philadelphia region. Each year our group invests in more than 50 early stage companies and provides seed capital to another 50 companies. Our internal investment expertise includes technology, life sciences, healthcare, and physical sciences. I can honestly say that I don't think there is an organization anywhere that does more for innovations and entrepreneurship in their region.

Aaron Balch is a Chief Information Officer at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and is based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He has worked as Director of Technology at Nazareth Area School District and General Manager at Pentamation Enterprises. Aaron attended Lehigh University between 1980 and 1985 and East Stroudsburg University between 1974 and 1978.

Kathy Ann Minnich is a Chief Financial Officer at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and is based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She studied at Muhlenberg College.

Laura Eppler is a Chief Marketing Officer at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and is based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She has worked as Director of Community Relations and Publications at Lehigh Carbon Community College. Laura studied at Bucknell University between 1979 and 1983 and Wilkes University between 1989 and 1991.