Golden Seeds Angel Investment Network Launches NJ Chapter

On Feb 6, 2020

First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy and representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Golden Seeds gathered at Montclair State University to kick off the New Jersey chapter of Golden Seeds. They were joined by angel investors and other members of the Garden State’s innovation ecosystem.

Founded in 2005, Golden Seeds is a nation-wide angel investor network dedicated to investing in female-led startup companies. The organization has more than 300 members that include accredited investors from a diverse range of locations, sectors, and backgrounds. The New Jersey chapter of the organization joins seven established Golden Seeds chapters in Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New York City, and Silicon Valley.

“We are honored and excited to welcome Golden Seeds investors to New Jersey, where they will find many accomplished women eager to learn from them,” First Lady Murphy said. “We are so impressed with Golden Seeds’ track record of ensuring that female-led startups have access to the capital they need to succeed and compete on the global stage. With Golden Seeds network of support, the potential for New Jersey’s female entrepreneurs is limitless.

First Lady Murphy also thanked Montclair State University and its President, Susan Cole, for hosting Tuesday’s event, and commended the University for its ongoing focus on female entrepreneurs, including its support of Women Entrepreneurship Week in October.

Later this month, Golden Seeds will host its first information session and office hours at The Co-Co in Summit on February 27. The event will give entrepreneurs the chance to meet one-on-one with experienced angel investors to gain invaluable feedback and learn about Golden Seeds’ investing process. Due to overwhelming interest, this first event is at capacity and Golden Seeds is now accepting registrants for its March 25 session.

“New Jersey has a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship, with many important contributions coming from women,” Golden Seeds Deal Director Joan Zief said. “We are thrilled to open our New Jersey chapter and connect female entrepreneurs with our network of seasoned investors, who can provide guidance as well as funding.”

The EDA’s partnership with Golden Seeds supports Governor Phil Murphy’s efforts to create a diverse innovation ecosystem in New Jersey by increasing the availability of angel capital for female-led businesses and providing mentoring opportunities for female businesses leaders. It will also foster a strong, cohesive angel investing community in New Jersey by bringing members together to identify investment opportunities, conduct due diligence, and support companies in which they choose to invest.

“We are trying to change the reality that female entrepreneurs lag far behind their male counterparts when it comes to attracting capital, and the launch of the New Jersey chapter of Golden Seeds is an important step in that process,” Kathleen Coviello, Executive Vice President for Technology, Life Sciences & Entrepreneurship. “The EDA is proud to partner on this initiative and we look forward to hearing many success stories in the months and years ahead.”

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles: