RU’s Investment Forum Promotes Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs

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The New Jersey Chapter of Golden Seeds and the Rutgers University Foundation partnered on an Angel Investment Forum to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, alumni, and other stakeholders to support and promote innovative women-led businesses.

The Jan. 30 event, held at New Brunswick's Zimmerli Art Museum, featured networking, pitching opportunities, presentations from founders and investors, and remarks from leaders in the field.

Golden Seeds is one of the nation's most active early-stage investment firms focused on creating opportunities for women-led businesses.

In 2020, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and First Lady Tammy Murphy organized the New Jersey Chapter of Golden Seeds. To date, the New Jersey Golden Seeds Chapter has invested more than $9.5 million in women-led businesses.

“This week's event with Rutgers University will highlight the creative ideas and businesses coming out of New Jersey's universities, bringing together alumni investors and female founders for engaging presentations and discussions. ” said Golden Seeds Managing Director Gina Tedesco. “Women entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing capital, but thanks to the efforts of Golden Seeds and NJEDA, women entrepreneurs have the resources and networks they need to grow and succeed. ”

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“The New Jersey chapter of Golden Seeds continues to create opportunities for women-led startups and women entrepreneurs in the state, leveraging its strong national network of angel investors to create a more just economy. Garden State Through our collaboration with leading research universities, Golden Seeds is ensuring the next generation of female founders have the resources and support they need to thrive.”

— first lady murphyis also a Democratic candidate in this year's New Jersey Senate race.

“Golden Seeds extends unique tools to women-led businesses, provides access to a robust network of angel investors and successful entrepreneurs, and provides insight into investment strategies and innovative programs offered by the Garden State. We will provide you with important information.”

— Gina TedescoManaging Director of Golden Seeds

“Women founders face significant barriers to accessing capital and investment, and under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has taken the lead in creating an environment for early-stage, women-led startups to thrive. “New Jersey Golden Seeds offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with experienced investors and leaders from world-class research institutions, giving them the tools they need to expand and grow in the Garden State.”

— Kathleen CovielloNJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer

“The Rutgers University researchers presenting today at the Golden Seeds Angel Investment Forum are representative of the great research being done across the Chancellor-led departments, and the Office of Research is proud to support their entrepreneurial endeavors. We're proud of what we do. The Office for Research works with faculty, researchers, and students to help commercialize ideas through licensing and startup launches. Currently at Rutgers University Startup There are 100 companies in action, including those announced today, all working to address global challenges in areas such as healthcare, climate change, mental health and digital safety.”

— Deborah Perez FernandezExecutive Director of Technology Transfer, Office of Research, Rutgers University