Excell Partners, Inc. is a venture capital fund based in Rochester, New York. Established in 2006 as a not-for-profit subsidiary of the University of Rochester in collaboration with New York State Empire State Development, the firm supports seed and early-stage startups across Upstate New York, with particular emphasis on the Finger Lakes region. It provides financing and hands-on support to technology companies, aiming to drive regional growth while delivering competitive returns.
The fund typically invests up to $1.5 million per round, with average checks around $1 million. Its focus sectors include medical devices, materials science, biotechnology, agricultural technology, imaging, information technology and software, energy and clean technology. Investments are paired with governance participation and introductions to academic, corporate and government networks throughout New York State. Excell also prioritizes partnerships with minority and women entrepreneurs, reinforcing a long-term approach that extends beyond initial capital.
Clean technology and energy innovation are central to Excell’s criteria, spanning energy efficiency, renewable power and emerging storage systems. Notable portfolio companies include EkoStinger, which designs aerodynamic devices that lower fuel consumption in trucking, and WexEnergy, creator of high-performance window solutions that improve building efficiency. Excell is active in programs such as the NEXUS-NY Clean Energy Accelerator and leads the $6 million Upstate Biotech Ventures fund for startups at SUNY campuses. While specific battery technology investments are not detailed, the firm’s support for energy storage initiatives highlights an interest in technologies that contribute to a lower-carbon future.
