#United States #New Haven #Adaptation Ventures #Accessible Tech #Disability Innovation

Adaptation Ventures Launches Groundbreaking Angel Group

On May 20, 2025, Adaptation Ventures made a significant announcement by launching the first-ever angel group in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to supporting early-stage startups innovating in the fields of disability and accessible technology. This unique initiative is set to address a market that has long been underrepresented and overlooked, providing support to entrepreneurs who are striving to create transformative solutions for the 1.7 billion people with mobility impairments, 430 million individuals experiencing disabling hearing loss, and 285 million suffering from visual impairments worldwide.

A Promising Market for Innovation

The potential of adaptive technology is staggering, with almost everyone expected to require some form of assistive technology during their lifetime. According to market projections, the global assistive technology market is forecasted to reach approximately $31.22 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and the expanding digital infrastructure, coupled with a rising consumer demand for inclusive products and services. With more than $18 trillion in disposable income among individuals with disabilities and their families, combined with a significant return on investment seen in the assistive technology sector, the case for investing in this field has never been stronger.

Despite increased funding directed toward mission-driven initiatives like climate change and underrepresented founders, there has been a noticeable scarcity of angel investment dedicated to disability and accessibility tech—until now.

Curated Investment Opportunities and Community Engagement

Adaptation Ventures aims to provide its members with more than 16 curated investment opportunities each year that emphasize leading pre-seed rounds, alongside co-leading or participating in seed rounds across various sectors. The group fosters collaboration through quarterly meetings and in-depth due diligence processes. Members will also engage actively with each other through sourcing, networking, and educational events, creating a robust community supported by a series of events including speaker panels, office hours, and both virtual and in-person gatherings.

Experienced Leadership Driven by Lived Experiences

At the helm of Adaptation Ventures are co-founders Brittany and Rich Palmer, both of whom bring unique perspectives to the initiative. Brittany, who is a congenital bilateral below-elbow amputee, serves as an Advisory Board Member at Perkins School for the Blind's Howe Innovation Center. She is also an attorney and founder of Beeyonder, a company that facilitates virtual tours aimed at providing equal access to travel.

Rich Palmer, having survived a brain aneurysm rupture, is a former Board Member of the Angel Capital Association and was a Managing Director at Launchpad Venture Group. He also co-founded Gravyty, an AI company focused on social good that achieved a successful exit. Their combined experiences in the disability space and track record in angel investing offer valuable insights and leadership to the group.

A Call to Action for Impactful Investing

"Investing in accessible technology is not just an opportunity; it's a moral imperative. It enables individuals with disabilities and other conditions to live more independent and fulfilling lives," stated Brittany Palmer, underscoring the venture's mission. "We are cultivating a platform that supports innovation while nurturing a community of passionate leaders, founders, and investors who are dedicated to increasing accessibility for everyone."

Adaptation Ventures invites potential members, partners, and sponsors to join in on this transformative journey, promoting a business model that achieves market-rate returns while simultaneously fostering significant change in the lives of billions.

Conclusion

As the first angel group in the U.S. to commit to funding early-stage disabled and accessible technology startups, Adaptation Ventures is pioneering a future where accessibility and innovation are not mutually exclusive but are inextricably linked. By leveraging the experience of its management team and the community it fosters, Adaptation Ventures is committed to driving forward-thinking advancements in this essential sector, ensuring that accessible technologies become a normalized part of our innovation landscape.