1776 Completes Merger with Benjamin's Desk

Network of Entrepreneurial Incubators Now Serves More Than 1,500 Member Companies in the Northeast

1776 announced today the completion of its merger with Philadelphia coworking space operator Benjamin’s Desk creating the largest network of entrepreneurial incubators in the Northeast Corridor. A formal unveiling of the new brand identity will take place at a special event this afternoon, celebrating the launch of the incubator network’s newest location, 1776 University City.

“We’re saying farewell to the brand that served our Philadelphia-based members so well over the past six years,” said 1776 Co-CEO Jennifer Maher. “With a refreshed mission and focus, we’re excited about the impact our growing team will make on communities and entrepreneurs throughout the Northeast Corridor.”

Beginning today, the Benjamin’s Desk brand will sunset and the company will operate under the 1776 identity throughout its footprint. In addition, the 1776 logo has been refreshed to include a subtle reminder of the Benjamin’s Desk “kite” imagery, while adding the tagline “Where Revolutions Begin” as a nod to the network’s roots in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia and to the disruptive work of member companies engaged in markets that often face regulatory scrutiny.

Renewed focus on incubating scalable businesses through programming, partnerships, physical resources

“We are creating a new kind of amenity space that provides a flexible and collaborative environment for businesses and startups to grow,” said 1776 Co-CEO Anthony Maher. “We’re partnering with landlords and developers to curate and manage square footage in their buildings. These landlords and developers are critically important to growing ecosystems and shaping cities in this new economy.”

“This is an exciting time to strategically partner with ecosystem champions to spur innovation in the Northeast Corridor,” Maher said. “Our members thrive because of access to community, mentorship, connections, and partnerships. Because our 1776 team now includes experts in business growth, fundraising, and operational precision, we’re uniquely positioned to help founders build strong, scalable companies.”

Serving more than 2,500 founders across the network, 1776 also boasts a mentoring network of over 500 experienced professionals who provide guidance both in-person and on the UNION virtual platform. Live events on 1776 campuses have included recent visits from King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Steve Case, and Arlan Hamilton. The Capital Stack event series first launched under the Benjamin’s Desk brand will now connect investors with startup founders across the entire 1776 network.

1776 members enjoy reciprocal access to campus and affiliate locations in Washington, D.C., Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia, along with new locations scheduled to open this year in Ambler, Pennsylvania and Brooklyn, New York. Prospective members are invited to apply to join 1776 by visiting the network’s website at 1776.vc.

About 1776

1776 is the largest network of incubators that cultivates and empowers startup ecosystems in the Northeast Corridor. We exist to strengthen the cities and economies of this region by building thriving communities of entrepreneurs including those dedicated to tackling challenges in complex, often highly regulated markets. Members of 1776 access the entire network’s knowledge, mentorship, capital, markets, and talent in order to scale. For more information, please visit www.1776.vc and follow @1776 on Twitter and @1776vc on Instagram.