Backing Innovation: How States Are Investing in the Future [Hosted by CI x NYV x NJ EDA & Sponsored by Rho x KPMG]

​State venture funds are playing an increasingly important role in building regional innovation ecosystems.

​This panel brings together leaders from three of the Northeast's most active public VC programs — Connecticut Innovations, New York State's NY Ventures, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority — for a candid discussion on how government capital is shaping the next generation of startups.

​Panelists will discuss how their funds source and evaluate deals, what differentiates public venture capital from traditional VC, and where they see the biggest opportunities for founders and investors across the region. Stick around afterwards for a happy hour with the founders and VCs.

​Meet the panelists:

​Danny Qiao is a Director on Connecticut Innovations' investment team, where he leads the team's consumer and international investment efforts. Prior to CI, he led consumer investing at Sweater Ventures, backing brands like IQBAR, Graza, Nomadica, OROS, and Havenly. He began his career at Accenture Strategy and later covered financial sponsors and financial institutions in investment banking at BNP Paribas. Danny holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BS from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

​Jennifer Tegan is the Managing Director of Empire State Development’s New York Ventures, where she oversees over $320 million in investment programs aimed at fueling New York’s startup ecosystem. Since joining in 2020, she has managed direct and indirect investment funds including the NYS Innovation Venture Capital Fund and the Emerging and Regional Manager Partner Fund (a fund of funds). An experienced investor and advocate, Jennifer previously spent 18 years as a partner at Cayuga Venture Fund. She has served on the board of the National Venture Capital Association and held leadership roles with Tompkins Financial Corporation and the Upstate Capital Association of New York. Jennifer holds an MBA from Cornell University, an MS from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA from Smith College.

​John Wisniewski is the Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives and Venture Products at New Jersey Economic Development Authority. His responsibilities include oversight of the state’s investment into Strategic Innovation Centers, and venture investment programs. John started his career with ExxonMobil where he held various positions developing projects in the US and internationally.  He ran a private equity infrastructure fund based in the Middle East for Arcapita Bank, and then switched to venture capital working with Clean Energy Ventures Group. John has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cooper Union, and an MBA from Rice University.

​Meet the hosts:

​Connecticut Innovations is Connecticut's venture capital arm, investing in early and growth-stage biotech, IT, and deep tech companies.

​NY Ventures is New York State's innovation venture capital fund, backing high-growth startups across the state.

​NJEDA's Venture Products team supports New Jersey's innovation ecosystem, including through the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund.

​Meet the sponsors:

​Rho is the all-in-one banking platform for startups and the accountants supporting them. With banking setup in minutes, cashback cards, and tools for managing spend, paying bills, and closing the books, Rho helps high-growth startups move fast and stay focused, backed by support that goes to the end of the earth to help you win.

​Rho is a fintech company, not a bank. Checking and card services are provided by Webster Bank, N.A., member FDIC; savings account services are provided by American Deposit Management Co. and its partner banks.

​KPMG Private provides specialized advisory, audit, tax, and strategic consulting services tailored for emerging growth companies, startups, and private enterprises scaling up through various lifecycle stages. Whether you're launching a startup or accelerating your growth, the Emerging Growth team offers strategic insights and resources designed to support your business journey.

​#nyc #venturecapital #government