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 3 of 11 portfolio companiesHealthtech ×2Circular Economy ×1Consumer ×1Deep Tech ×1Developer Tools ×1Direct to Consumer ×1FemTech ×1Hardware ×1
HQs:United States×3
Investments · 11 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.
Backpack Healthcare offers accessible, inclusive pediatric, individual and family mental healthcare.
Accessible, inclusive pediatric, individual, and family mental healthcare.
NasaClip is a hands-free nosebleed treatment device that applies adjustable external compression with medicatable intranasal sponges, developed by an emergency physician.
ConsumerHealthtechMedical Devices
Elizabeth Clayborne(Founder)
Co-investorsCitrine AngelsD3VCMaryland TEDCOPortfoliaTEDCO
Natural body products inspired by Mexico's Nopal cactus.
New York, US
Sandra Velasquez(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardLaura Moreno(Director)
Co-investorsL'ATTITUDE VenturesSiddhi CapitalSixty8 Capital
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)inJenGaby
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)Keith Kirkland(Chief Haptics Officer)Enzo Caruso(Head of Operations)
Co-investorsSoundboard Venture Fund
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesNasaClip · thedailyrecord.com · Jun 30, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Urban Entrepreneurs Fund made?
- Urban Entrepreneurs Fund has 11 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 D3VC, L'ATTITUDE Ventures, Maryland TEDCO, among 9 tracked co-investors.
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