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JumpStart NJ Angel Network

JumpStart NJ is an angel network investing primarily in the Mid-Atlantic, with about one-third of deals in New Jersey.

New Brunswick, NJ, USA

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Description

JumpStart NJ Angel Network is one of the oldest and most active angel investor groups in the Mid-Atlantic region. Based in New Jersey, it is a member-led organization composed of over 50 accredited investors—primarily successful entrepreneurs and former C-suite executives—who provide early-stage capital and strategic mentorship to high-growth startups. 
  • Seed & Series A: This is the primary investment focus.
  • Traction Preference: The group prioritizes companies that have moved past the "concept" phase. They look for ventures with a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and early signals of market validation, such as initial revenue, signed pilot agreements, or significant user growth. 
  • Method: Founders apply through the JumpStart NJ Angel Network portal, which utilizes the Gust platform for deal management.
  • Materials: A professional pitch deck, executive summary, and 3-year financial projections are required.
  • Sector Focus: While industry-agnostic, for 2026 the group is prioritizing SaaS, HealthTech, FinTech, and Advanced Manufacturing.

Eligibility

  • Geography: Strong preference for companies located in the Mid-Atlantic region (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware).
  • Capital Seek: Typically targets companies raising between $500,000 and $2,000,000.
  • Venture Profile: Must be a high-growth, scalable for-profit entity capable of achieving a significant exit (M&A or IPO) within 5–7 years. 

Process

  1. Online Intake: Founders submit materials through Gust for initial screening by the leadership team.
  2. Screening Committee: Approximately 5–7 companies per month are invited to a virtual preliminary meeting with a committee of experienced members for a deep-dive evaluation.
  3. Monthly Meeting: The top 2–3 finalists are invited to pitch to the full network of accredited investors during monthly dinner meetings.
  4. Due Diligence: Interested members form a collaborative team to conduct a 4–8 week rigorous review of the business, technology, and legal status.
  5. Closing: Individual members make independent investment decisions, which are typically aggregated into a single entity (LLC) for the company's cap table. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Strategic Capital: Access to funding from a network that has invested over $60 million in more than 60 companies.
  2. Operational Mentorship: Active coaching from members who have successfully scaled and exited their own businesses.
  3. Regional Connectivity: Direct introductions to the region's top-tier universities, research facilities, and follow-on venture capital firms.
  4. Board Participation: Availability of experienced board members and observers to provide ongoing strategic governance.