THIRTY EARLY-STAGE COMPANIES MEET WITH INVESTORS DURING SECOND “NEW JERSEY FOUNDERS & FUNDERS” EVENT
Initiative Continues Christie Administration’s Commitment to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
TRENTON, N.J. (Sept. 17, 2014) – Continuing the Christie Administration’s efforts to spur the growth of early-stage technology and life sciences companies in the state, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) today hosted its second New Jersey Founders & Funders event. Held at the Commercialization Center for Innovative Technologies (CCIT) in North Brunswick, the event introduced 30 startup companies to more than 15 prospective investors.
“As part of the EDA’s commitment to growing the technology industry in New Jersey, today’s Founders & Funders event connected early stage companies with well-established investors, providing access to the expertise and funding needed to help these businesses flourish,” EDA CEO Michele Brown said.
Businesses that participated in today’s Founders & Funders event included Pendo Systems, located in Montclair, which provides the enabling infrastructure for the modern era of global financial services; Chromis Fiberoptics, located in Warren, which manufactures low cost, high performance polymer optical fibers; VESAG Health, located in North Brunswick, which has developed efficient tools using technology to live healthier, safer and better; Epi-Gen Pharmaceuticals, located in Princeton, a startup pharmaceutical company with a mission to discover innovative, proprietary drugs for unmet medical needs; Bridge-x Technologies, located in East Windsor, which helps global enterprises in digital transformation of their business to business commerce operations; and Hulafrog, located in Atlantic Highlands, an Internet startup company whose website connects parents to the best events, destinations and deals for kids in local communities.
Today’s Founders & Funders event featured more than 15 participating investors, including ff Venture Capital, Milestone Ventures, NewSpring Capital, Osage Venture Partners, and NextStage Capital.
As a result of the inaugural Founders & Funders event held in June, approximately 190 meetings occurred between investors and NJ technology companies. EDA will host New Jersey Founders & Funders events quarterly. The next event is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2014.
The EDA is part of the state’s results-driven Partnership for Action. Created by Governor Chris Christie and led by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, the Partnership is the hub for all economic development activity in New Jersey and is comprised of four interconnected and highly focused organizational elements: Choose New Jersey, the Business Action Center, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and the EDA.
To learn about opportunities for business growth throughout New Jersey, visit the state’s business portal at www.NewJerseyBusiness.gov.
