
Newark Venture Partners
Description
Newark Venture Partners (NVP) is an early-stage venture capital fund strategically located in Newark, New Jersey, positioning itself at the heart of the city's burgeoning tech ecosystem. Established with a mission to foster innovation and economic growth within Newark, NVP primarily focuses on B2B software and enterprise technology startups. The fund leverages its deep connections with major corporate limited partners, including Audible, Prudential Financial, Panasonic, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, providing portfolio companies with invaluable access to potential customers, strategic partnerships, and mentorship opportunities. This unique corporate-backed model distinguishes NVP in the early-stage investment landscape.
NVP's investment thesis centers on identifying promising technology companies that can benefit from Newark's strategic location, diverse talent pool, and supportive business environment. They seek out founders who are building scalable solutions for enterprise challenges, often with a preference for those willing to establish a presence in Newark. The firm provides more than just capital; it offers operational support, strategic guidance, and a robust network designed to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies. Their commitment to the local ecosystem is evident in their efforts to attract and retain tech talent within the city.
The fund typically deploys initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, targeting Seed and Series A rounds. NVP closed its second fund, NVP II, at $42 million in 2021, building on the success of its initial $24 million fund. This increased capital allows them to provide more substantial follow-on funding to their most promising portfolio companies, supporting their growth through subsequent financing rounds. With a portfolio exceeding 100 companies, NVP has become a significant catalyst for the tech scene in Newark, contributing to the city's transformation into a recognized innovation hub.
Investor Profile
Newark Venture Partners has backed more than 146 startups, with 7 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 24 rounds, about 16% of its total and boasts 17 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Health Care, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Led 4 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $250K – $1M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (64%)
- Pre Seed (15%)
- Series A (12%)
- Convertible Note (3%)
- Series Unknown (3%)
- Angel (1%)
- Grant (1%)
- Series C (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (98%)
- Canada (1%)
- United Kingdom (1%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Health Care
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Saas
- Information Technology
- Analytics
- Enterprise Software
- Fintech
- Machine Learning
- Internet
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.