The New Jersey Chapter of Golden Seeds has invested more than $10 million in women-owned startups since launching in 2020, the N.J. Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday.
The milestone follows Golden Seeds’ broader announcement that it has invested more than $200 million in women-owned companies nationally.
The New Jersey chapter was launched in 2020 in partnership with the EDA. Golden Seeds, founded in 2004, is the third-largest national angel investment group by number of transactions and the largest angel group nationwide focused on women-led businesses. Its nearly 300 members and affiliated venture funds have invested $200 million in more than 270 women-led companies.
“This $10 million investment milestone reflects the transformative impact of expanding access to capital for women entrepreneurs,” EDA CEO Evan Weiss said.
“Golden Seeds is supporting Governor Sherrill’s mission to build businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s economy by connecting female founders with the funding, mentorship, and networks they need to grow and succeed.”
Kathleen Coviello, the Chief Economic Transformation Officer at the EDA, agreed.
“New Jersey is fostering an environment where women-led businesses can thrive by expanding access to capital and cultivating a strong angel investment ecosystem,” she said. “This milestone demonstrates how strategic investment in female founders fuels innovation, creates economic opportunity, and strengthens communities across our state.”
The New Jersey chapter has 23 members and invests primarily in technology, life sciences and healthcare, and consumer sectors. Eight New Jersey companies that came through the chapter’s Office Hours program are currently funded by Golden Seeds.
One of them is Otava Inc., a Moorestown-based company that develops radio frequency chips used in advanced 5G and Department of Defense applications. Otava has raised $1.5 million to date from Golden Seeds across funding rounds in 2022, 2024 and 2025, and is also a recipient of the NJEDA’s Angel Match Program.
“Golden Seeds has been far more than an investor — they have been a trusted partner throughout Otava Radio Frequency’s journey,” Otava founder and CEO Victoria Pereira said. “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.”
The New Jersey chapter holds monthly Office Hours sessions connecting entrepreneurs with Golden Seeds investors and walking founders through the angel investing process. From February 2020 through June 2026, the chapter hosted 225 female entrepreneurs across 64 monthly sessions. The next Office Hours session is scheduled for Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.
