Building a strong startup ecosystem takes more than just great founders, it takes capital to support them. This week, we’re excited to spotlight Evan Nicoll, Managing Partner of 1834 Ventures, one of the investors at The Shop helping shape the future of entrepreneurship in New Orleans.

1834 Ventures is a $20 million venture capital firm focused on backing early-stage founders with “Tulane in the DNA.” By investing locally and across Tulane’s national alumni network, the firm is working to attract, retain, and support top entrepreneurial talent in New Orleans.

At its core, 1834 Ventures is addressing a critical gap in the ecosystem: access to early-stage capital.

For too long, we’ve had a brain drain out of our state. We need to fundamentally change this.

While venture capital isn’t the only solution, Evan believes it plays a meaningful role in building a stronger, more sustainable startup ecosystem. Over the next four years, 1834 Ventures plans to fund more than 60 companies, helping them grow and scale right here in New Orleans.

That mission is closely connected to the environment at The Shop Workspace, something Evan Nicoll describes best:

All roads lead to The Shop in some form or fashion-whether through programming like The Idea Village, impromptu conversations that lead to tangible impact, or simply the physical footprint of the campus. The Shop is the place to be.

Today, The Shop sits at the center of New Orleans’ startup ecosystem, bringing together the founders, investors, and builders driving it forward.

For Evan, that’s what makes it powerful: a place where community, capital, and innovation come together.

We’re proud to have Evan and 1834 Ventures as part of The Shop community and excited to see how they continue supporting the next generation of founders in New Orleans and beyond.

Learn more about 1834 Ventures here.

Interested in building alongside founders and investors like Evan?

Join The Shop Workspace and connect with New Orleans’ entrepreneurial community here.