Urban Entrepreneurs Fund
Impact investorNewark · Seed–Growth
Investment thesis
The Urban Entrepreneurs Fund is a mission-driven capital source aiming to bridge the funding gap for underrepresented founders, primarily Black and Latinx entrepreneurs with significant ownership stakes in their businesses. Operated by Rutgers University's CUEED with support from the New Jersey Economic Development Council, it invests in high-growth, next-economy startups tied to New Jersey. The fund seeks exceptional founders and breakthrough scalable ideas, connecting them with mentors and angel investors. Its model combines a self-sustaining business generator, an entrepreneurial ecosystem that creates local jobs and uplifts communities, and capital deployment that opens doors to additional investment sources.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
What they invest in
from 4 of 10 portfolio companiesDirect to Consumer ×2Healthtech ×2Circular Economy ×1Consumer ×1Deep Tech ×1Developer Tools ×1Digital Health ×1FemTech ×1
HQs:United States×3
Investments · 10 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2022 · 12018 · 12 dated
Software provider of Mechanic on Board and Em-CARS, a vehicle management system to reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Podcast company creating cultural and emotional connections.
A provider of youth and family behavioral and mental health services, offering cognitive talk therapy and medication management through licensed clinicians including psychologists, counselors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Digital HealthHealthtechMental Health
Co-investorsPACE Healthcare CapitalPortfoliaPortland Seed FundRareBreed VenturesStone Mountain VenturesECMC Group+1 more
NasaClip is an ER doctor-designed, patented, hands-free device that applies steady pressure to stop nosebleeds in children and adults.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerMedical Devices
Elizabeth Clayborne(Founder)in
Co-investorsCitrine AngelsD3VCMaryland TEDCOPortfoliaTEDCO
Natural body products inspired by Mexico's Nopal cactus.
New York, US
Sandra Velasquez(Executive Officer, Director)in
BoardLaura Moreno(Director)
Co-investorsL'ATTITUDE VenturesSiddhi CapitalSixty8 CapitalMorgan StanleyPortfolia
Platform to connect with local businesses for releases, rewards, food and fun.
Tampon Tribe sells organic cotton period products including tampons, pads, liners, menstrual cups, and period underwear, with a focus on sustainability and plastic-neutral packaging.
Circular EconomyDirect to ConsumerFemTechSanta Monica, US
Jennifer Eden(Executive Officer, Director)inGabriela Alves(Executive Officer, Director)in
Payments platform supporting commercial growth in Africa.
Iced tea with fruit flavor and probiotics for gut health.
Haptic develops haptic technology that conveys information through the sense of touch, such as wrist-worn vibration systems used to guide a blind runner during the NYC Marathon.
Deep TechDeveloper ToolsHardwareHealthtechMobility & Transportation
Kevin H Yoo(Chief Executive Officer)inKeith Kirkland(Chief Haptics Officer)inEnzo Caruso(Head of Operations)in
Co-investorsSoundboard Venture Fund
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesNopalera · taylorsicard.com · Jul 25, 2026
NasaClip · thedailyrecord.com · Jun 30, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Urban Entrepreneurs Fund made?
- Urban Entrepreneurs Fund has 10 tracked investments.
- What stage does Urban Entrepreneurs Fund invest at?
- Urban Entrepreneurs Fund invests at the Seed, Growth stages.
- What sectors does Urban Entrepreneurs Fund focus on?
- Urban Entrepreneurs Fund focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Consumer, Digital Health, Fintech, Impact & Social Good, Media & Entertainment, Mental Health, Mobility & Transportation, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Urban Entrepreneurs Fund located?
- Urban Entrepreneurs Fund is headquartered in Newark, US.
- Who does Urban Entrepreneurs Fund co-invest with?
- Urban Entrepreneurs Fund most often shares deals with Portfolia, D3VC, Maryland TEDCO, among 13 tracked co-investors.
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