Values
Integrity
We approach every interaction and challenge with a strict adherence to a moral code.
Diversity
We value diversity of thought, geography, gender, and race.
Collaboration
We foster partnerships among our portfolio companies, the AgeTech ecosystem, and our professional networks.
The 1843 Capital Name
1843 Capital was named for the year Ada Byron Lovelace wrote the first computer program. As the only legitimate daughter of Lord Byron, Ada found poetry in numbers and is credited with recognizing the full potential of Charles Babbage’s analytical engine. At 1843 Capital we wonder, “What would have happened if Ada was funded by a venture capital firm.”
The Team
Tracy Chadwell, Founding Partner
Named to the inaugural Forbes “50 over 50” list in 2021 and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s inaugural “100 Powerful Women,” Tracy Chadwell is the founder of 1843 Capital. Notable investments include early investments in Beautycounter (Exited: $1 Billion valuation) and Tempo Automation (Nasdaq:TMPO). She’s a leader in the venture capital industry and a sought-after speaker including giving testimony before a US Senate Committee. She has also been a speaker for the Nantucket Project, MIT, and TEDx NYIT. Formerly, Tracy was a partner of a growth capital venture capital fund – Baker Capital – and a VP at Robertson Stephens. Early in her career, Tracy worked in Tokyo for the law firm Nagashima and Ohno and for SCM International, led by Senator Adlai Stevenson doing cross-border transaction work between the US and Asia. Currently, she serves on the Board of Recuro Health and is a Board Observer to Corsha. Non-profit work includes the AARP Age Collective, and a Board Member of Early Stage Montana. Tracy earned her B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and her J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago. She speaks conversational Japanese and restaurant French.
Sharon Rodriguez, Venture Partner
Sharon Rodriguez is a global senior executive who leverages technology to transform business operations. She brings a proven track record of catalyzing top-line revenue growth, building strong teams and cultures, optimizing customer experience, and achieving outsized outcomes. Sharon began her career in pharmaceuticals, and later moved to AIG, where she worked on Global Strategic initiatives with a heavy focus on Asian markets. As Head of Global Application Strategy at MetLife, Sharon transformed a siloed, local-level management model operating in 46 countries, into a cohesive organization by defining roles for planning and execution on global decisions. In 2017, Sharon joined the founding leadership team for Unqork—an enterprise no-code SaaS platform addressing the real challenges of business and technology stakeholders, providing nimble technology to help expedite development and deliver value. The company reached a $2B Series C valuation by 2020. As Chief Customer Officer, Sharon created a market-responsive business model and built all customer-facing functions. A longtime supporter of DEI, Sharon also launched Women of Unqork and built a company culture of equity & inclusion. Sharon is an active advisor and mentor to early stage founders through accelerators for National Institute of Aging and Springboard. Sharon received her BS in Biology from Eckerd College and her MBA from the Wharton School with a dual emphasis in Finance and Healthcare Management.
Gwen Weiss, CPA, Partner and Chief Financial Officer
Gwen Weiss comes to 1843 Capital with 20+ years in financial management, accounting, and venture fund administration. Prior to joining 1843 Capital, Gwen served as the Controller for Bedford Funding, a private equity fund based in White Plains, NY. While at Bedford, Gwen was responsible for all accounting and financial reporting functions, including quarterly financial statements, annual audited financials, portfolio valuation analysis and annual tax reporting. Prior to joining Bedford in May 2012, Gwen worked at Oak Investment Partners, a leading venture capital firm, from 2000 to 2012. While at Oak, Gwen performed several functions, including Senior Accountant, and Portfolio Administrator, and Finance Manager where she supported the CFO in monitoring controls, implementing improvements, managing company budgeting and forecasting as well as SEC reporting. Prior to her time at Oak, Gwen was a Senior Associate at Deloitte & Touche. She is a CPA who received a B.S. from Fairfield University where she completed dual majors in Accounting and Finance.
Larry Flanagan, Executive Advisor
Larry Flanagan was the President and CEO of AARP Services from late 2014 through 2019 and was formerly the Executive Dean at the University of New Haven College of Business. He has an extraordinary history of partnership development for some of the largest corporations in the world including MasterCard Worldwide, the Procter & Gamble Company, and L’Oreal USA. As the Global Chief Marketing Officer at MasterCard, he managed a $1.5 billion budget, directed marketing strategies in more than 50 countries and helped launch the company’s hugely successful, “Priceless” advertising campaign. He also established strategic partnerships with Major League Baseball, the PGA Tour, and Champions League soccer in Europe and was part of the executive team that spearheaded MasterCard’s highly successful initial public offering in 2006.
Brian Geyser, Venture Partner
Brian is a Yale-trained nurse practitioner, successful serial entrepreneur, investor and seasoned healthcare executive with 30+ years experience as a clinical leader and innovator. He has expertise in both pediatric and geriatric psychiatry, a unique combination of business and clinical acumen, and a relentless drive to transform care delivery and improve healthcare systems for older adults and other vulnerable populations. Brian currently serves as VP of Clinical Innovation & Population Health + Chief Clinical Officer at Maplewood Senior Living where he runs Maplewood’s Center for Aging Innovation & Technology and oversees care delivery for all Maplewood and Inspir branded properties in 5 states and the District of Columbia. Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Arizona State University and Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University.
