A Promise 20 Years in the Making — Rooted in 02139
2139 Ventures was born from a promise made in an MIT classroom — and its name comes from the ZIP code of the very place where that promise was made: 02139, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In 2006, during a discussion with Professor Clay Christensen, we asked why the East Coast — with its unmatched academic brilliance — hadn’t produced the same caliber of tech giants as Silicon Valley. His answer was simple: the West supports bold ideas.
That day, I made a promise to return — to start a venture firm in Cambridge that would fund bold ideas born at MIT and Harvard. After three decades leading technology organizations at Microsoft, HPE, and Dell, I returned to fulfill that promise.
2139 Ventures exists to back the next generation of MIT and Harvard founders — those with deep technical insight, relentless ambition, and the courage to think differently.
02139 is the ZIP code of MIT — the heart of global innovation.
It represents not just a location, but a mindset: curiosity, audacity, and execution.
2139 Ventures (pronounced “twenty-one thirty-nine”) embodies that spirit — backing founders who carry Cambridge’s DNA into the world.
Mission:
To empower MIT & Harvard founders to transform groundbreaking ideas into enduring companies.
Vision:
To make the East Coast the new global hub for technological boldness and execution — one founder at a time.
Rooted in the innovation hubs of MIT and Harvard, our journey began with a shared vision — to bring world-class research, cutting-edge technology, and human-centered design together to solve real-world challenges. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of these prestigious institutions, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, translating academic excellence into impactful solutions that make a difference in people’s lives.
Born from the innovation ecosystems of MIT and Harvard, our foundation is built on pioneering research, advanced technology, and a deep passion for improving human health. What started as an idea in two of the world’s most renowned universities has grown into a mission-driven company using AI to transform healthcare — making it smarter, more personalized, and accessible for everyone.
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MIT alumnus | Former Microsoft, HPE & Dell executive | 30 years in tech leadership
Anand spent three decades scaling technology businesses worldwide — leading enterprise software divisions and mentoring founders. He founded 2139 Ventures to bridge two worlds: MIT innovation and real-world execution.
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Dual-Degree @ MIT LGO (MS in Artificial Intelligence & MBA) | Fulbright Scholar
Sloane supports deal sourcing, founder engagement, and thesis research with a focus on AI infrastructure and developer ecosystems.
MBA Candidate at Harvard Business School | Former Apple & Microsoft Product Manager
Melody supports fundraising, sourcing, and thesis development with a focus on AI-driven applications and health-tech innovation. She brings product leadership experience from Apple and Microsoft, and early-stage investing experience from Fusion Fund and LVLUP Ventures.
Stage: Pre-Seed to Series A | Check Size: $250K – $500K | Geography: North America (MIT/Harvard-linked founders)
Focus Sectors:
- AI & Automation Platforms
- Developer Infrastructure & Productivity Tools
- Data Systems & Intelligent Software
- Applied Deep Tech / Commercialized Research
We look for:
- Founders from MIT/Harvard with deep technical expertise
- Mission-driven teams tackling big problems
- Early traction or clear validation path
- Audacious vision with disciplined execution
Our Promise:
We’ll be your first call when things get hard and your loudest advocate when you win.
Innovation thrives where courage meets support.
We partner early, act quickly, and stay involved — not as financiers, but as operators who’ve lived the journey.
We Help Founders With:
- Product & go-to-market mentorship
- Enterprise and corporate network access
- Strategic fundraising & growth advice
2139 Ventures is supported by a network of advisors with deep expertise across artificial intelligence, software engineering, and venture investing.
Advisors provide independent guidance and strategic insight to 2139 Ventures and its portfolio companies.
