Jessica Perry//August 7, 2026//
The New Jersey Chapter of Golden Seeds has hit a $10 million investment milestone toward supporting women-owned startups in the Garden State.
The active angel investment network launched in N.J. six years ago through a partnership with the New Jersey Economic Develop0ment Authority.
According to NJEDA, the local New Jersey Golden Seeds chapter currently comprises 23 members targeting primarily technology, life sciences and healthcare, and the consumer sectors. Additionally, eight New Jersey companies came through the New Jersey Chapter Office Hours that are funded by Golden Seeds.
The progress highlights the state’s continued work to expand its innovation ecosystem, and the structure to support it. The local achievement also dovetails with Golden Seeds’ broader efforts: The group has infused more than $200 million into women-owned enterprises, NJEDA said.
“New Jersey is fostering an environment where women-led businesses can thrive by expanding access to capital and cultivating a strong angel investment ecosystem,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello, noting the impact of making strategic investments in female founders.
Though women-led companies receive significantly less in capital investments than male peers, within two years they generate more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested, according to research from BCG.
Case in point
Moorestown-based Otava Inc. develops end-to-end technology and radio frequency chips used by advanced 5G Department of Defense applications.
The company has raised a total of $1.5 million from Golden Seeds since 2022, said NJEDA. It also noted Otava has worked with the Angel Match Program.
Founder and CEO Victoria Pereira said Golden Seeds has served as “far more” than just an investor.
“Their early confidence in our team and technology provided both the capital and credibility needed to pursue an ambitious vision in the highly competitive semiconductor industry,” Pereira added. “Through multiple rounds of investment, they have continued to believe in our mission and support our growth. We are grateful to have Golden Seeds as we build the next generation of RF semiconductor technologies.”
The first step to get involved with Golden Seeds is to check out Office Hours. You can register online here. The session offers 10 minutes to present your company followed by a five-minute question & answer session with investors. The next Office Hours session for the New Jersey chapter of Golden Seeds will take place Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.
From February 2020 thru June 2026, the chapter has hosted 225 female entrepreneurs in 64 monthly office hours.
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