JumpStart NJ Angel Network invests in early-stage growth companies with high potential and innovative technology that disrupts traditional businesses. The group of angel investors screens more than 100 companies each year and invests an average $1.5 million annually in leading-edge startups. Based in the Garden State, JumpStart NJ invests in New Jersey, the Mid-Atlantic region, and beyond. The group has a goal to direct a third of its investments to New Jersey-based ventures.
JumpStart NJ believes that wealth creation starts with a strong relationship between the angel investor and the entrepreneur. All JumpStart NJ angels invest personally in a company. In other words, JumpStart NJ angels do not pool money to invest as a fund. The result is a strong, personal bond between angels and entrepreneurs. The membership has diverse interests and preferences, and each member makes his or her own investment decisions.
With deep knowledge and experience in many areas, JumpStart NJ members invest not only their dollars but their expertise in helping young companies grow. The group’s members prefer to invest in companies that are generating revenues and with pre-money valuations typically under $10 million. Primary areas of investment interest include, but are not limited to: SaaS B2B, health tech, ag tech, medical devices, manufacturing, alternative energy, shipping/logistics tech, and cybersecurity.
A strong supporter of the New Jersey startup ecosystem, JumpStart NJ is always open to opportunities to collaborate with state entities like the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, investment groups, nonprofits, and higher education institutions. JumpStartNJ also has a partnership with Westchester Angels, a similar group based in Westchester County, N.Y., allowing members of both groups to have access to more deals.
JumpStart NJ also hosts “Meet the Angels” events where startup founders can network with investors and receive informal feedback about their ventures. The casual events also allow JumpStart NJ to identify companies that might be invited to make a formal pitch in the future. One founder said after a “Meet the Angels” event: “Meeting experienced investors and mentors is invaluable. They provide a ton of experience and mentorship, and feedback is always important.”
JumpStart NJ is open to new members who share the group’s vision and are interested in selecting, investing in and mentoring early-stage growth companies. A JumpStart NJ member must be an accredited investor willing to make a minimum of one investment per year. The group meets monthly to hear presentations by startups and to discuss deals. We invite potential members to attend one of our meetings as a guest.
Founded in 2002, JumpStart NJ was created with the active support of New Jersey Technology Council and New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Since its formation, JumpStart NJ has developed strong relationships with the angel and venture capital communities in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and Boston. These relationships allow JumpStartNJ to take full advantage of resources in the MidAtlantic region to help early-stage companies innovate and grow. JumpStart NJ is generously supported by its sponsors, EisnerAmper and Stevens & Lee.
To learn more about JumpStart NJ, inquire about membership or refer a company for funding, visit jumpstartnj.org or contact Sharon Waters, managing director, at [email protected]
