News & Events

Ben Franklin Welcomes Todd Erdley as New Central Regional Director

Ben Franklin Technology Partners is excited to welcome local serial entrepreneur, Todd Erdley, to our State College-based Investment team effective March 1, 2023.

As the Central Regional Director, Todd will be the principal point-of-contact for companies seeking financial investment and business support services from Ben Franklin in our Central Region comprised of Centre, Mifflin and Juniata counties. He will be actively and visibly encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in the region by identifying, selecting, and mentoring promising startups and small manufacturers that need Ben Franklin investment to further their growth.

Todd brings extensive start-up, business growth, and technology expertise to Ben Franklin. As a founder of Videon Central, his vision and strategy has continually positioned the company as a leader in digital video from the first days of optical DVD’s to today’s most advanced video streaming technology. Most recently, Erdley’s leadership has propelled the company to ground breaking advances in edge computing that transforms direct to consumer streaming of live sports.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Ben Franklin team,” said Todd. “I’ve been passionate about entrepreneurship throughout my entire career, and I look forward in helping others start and grow their own business, just like I did thanks to the support Ben Franklin Technology Partners provided me 25 years ago.”

“Todd emphasized teamwork, innovation and community-building while growing Videon Central.  I believe these skills will be invaluable to our startup companies and the entire Central PA entrepreneurial scene,” said Stephen Brawley, President and CEO of Ben Franklin. “He will make Central Pennsylvania even more vibrant and a welcoming place to grow a business.”

Todd is a Happy Valley native and received both BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from Penn State. He remains an enthusiastic member of the Penn State community, having served on various committees like the College of Engineering’s Industrial Professional Advisory Committee (IPAC) and the Penn State Research Foundation (PSRF).  He frequently lectures in engineering classes. He participates in various local entrepreneurial resource groups and founded the Centre Region Entrepreneur Network.

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners: The largest seed investor in our region, Ben Franklin Technology Partners (an initiative of the PA Department of Community & Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority) has been providing investment capital, business support services, and operational assistance to emerging tech-startups and small manufacturers for nearly 40 years.