What is FIRST?
Established in 1989 and headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST operates as a cornerstone of science, engineering, and technology skill development. By leveraging a unique mentor-based pedagogical model, the organization bridges the gap between theoretical academic knowledge and practical industry application. Its market position is defined by its ability to mobilize a vast network of volunteers and corporate partners, effectively creating a pipeline of future-ready talent. As a non-profit, FIRST maintains a distinct operational profile, focusing on social impact and long-term human capital development rather than traditional equity-based growth metrics.
How much funding has FIRST raised?
FIRST has raised a total of $2.8M across 2 funding rounds:
Other Financing Round
$750K
Debt
$2M
Other Financing Round (2018): $750K, investors not publicly disclosed
Debt (2020): $2M led by PPP
Key Investors in FIRST
Undisclosed Investors
PPP
Public-Private Partnership
What's next for FIRST?
With the recent infusion of capital, FIRST is poised to scale its programmatic infrastructure and enhance its digital learning capabilities. The organization is expected to prioritize the modernization of its mentorship platforms, ensuring that its science and engineering curricula remain relevant in an increasingly automated global economy. By optimizing its operational efficiency, FIRST aims to broaden its demographic reach, particularly in underserved communities where technical training is most vital. The strategic deployment of these funds will likely focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the organization continues to serve as a primary catalyst for innovation and technical literacy for the next generation of engineers and scientists.
See full FIRST company page
