The post Rhode Island Startup Week and Newport Investor Summit Break Records, Cementing the Ocean State as a Rising Innovation Hub first appeared on RIHub.
]]>Now in its 6th year, Rhode Island Startup Week brought together the region’s startup community for nine days, featuring 47 sessions across 13 statewide venues. The event drew over 1,000 attendees and logged more than 5,000 session attendees, marking its most successful year yet. For the first time, the week spotlighted two new thematic days—HLS Day (Health and Life Sciences) and Ocean Tech Day, further underscoring the state’s strengths in these rapidly growing sectors. Longtime traditions also thrived, with the 6th Annual Calamari Tank continuing to showcase local entrepreneurial talent in a fast-paced pitch format.
“Each year, Rhode Island Startup Week showcases the extraordinary breadth and depth of innovation happening across our state,” said Annette Tonti, Managing Director, RIHub. “This year’s record-breaking attendance and programming prove that Rhode Island is not just keeping pace but setting the standard for regional collaboration in entrepreneurship.”
At the end of the week the spotlight shifted to Newport for the 2nd Annual Newport Investor Summit, a curated, invite-only gathering of investors and entrepreneurs at the Newport Beach House. This year, the event attracted over 200 registered participants, including 59 investors (up from 51 last year) and 77 entrepreneurs (up from 61).
The Summit received more than 200 pitch applications—more than double last year’s total—with Health and Life Sciences leading the way, representing over half of all applicants. In the end, 33 startups were selected to pitch, including 12 HLS companies, 9 Ocean Tech ventures, and 12 Open Tech startups, representing 11 U.S. states (CA, CT, FL, MA, MN, NH, NY, PA, RI, TX, WA) and two international companies from Ireland and Australia. Notably, 10 of the pitching companies were founded or co-founded by women, and 9 had roots in Rhode Island—including Adoptee Identity, Arctura, Just Breathe, Lenoss, Light Frame, PathMaker Neurosystems, Reach Neuro, VeinTech, and Zmanti.
The Summit also highlighted deep connections to academia, with startups linked to nine universities, including Brown University, Harvard, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of Michigan.
“The Newport Investor Summit demonstrates that Rhode Island can convene world-class investors and entrepreneurs in an intimate, high-quality setting that fosters real deal-making,” said Pete Rumsey, RIHub’s Chairman. “With applications doubling in just one year, it’s clear this event is becoming a must-attend for startups and investors alike.”
“ I’d like to express my thanks for the opportunity to network and pitch at the Newport Investor Summit, I’m excited about the new connections I made there”, said Zoe Hansen-DiBello, Founder & CEO of Adoptee-Identity, a startup that pitched during the event.
Together, these two events underscore Rhode Island’s momentum as a premier destination for entrepreneurship and innovation—leveraging its strengths in health and life sciences, ocean technology, and dual-use innovation to drive economic growth and opportunity.
About Rhode Island Startup Week
Rhode Island Startup Week is the state’s largest annual celebration of entrepreneurship, featuring events across universities, incubators, and innovation hubs. Now in its 6th year, the event unites entrepreneurs, investors, students, and business leaders to highlight the state’s growing startup ecosystem.
About Newport Investor Summit
The Newport Investor Summit is an annual, curated gathering of investors and entrepreneurs in Newport, Rhode Island. Focused on presenting highly-vetted startups across Ocean Tech, Health and Life Sciences, and Showcase sectors, the Summit connects founders with capital and fosters cross-regional investor collaboration.
Media Contact:
Michelle Henning
The post Rhode Island Startup Week and Newport Investor Summit Break Records, Cementing the Ocean State as a Rising Innovation Hub first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The post MIT Sandbox Fund, Potomac Institute, Anduril Industries to headline speaking lineup at RIHub’s Newport Investor Summit first appeared on RIHub.
]]>NEWPORT, R.I. – Now less than two weeks away, the agenda for the 2025 Newport Investor Summit is locked – and it features a diverse lineup of guest speakers working at the epicenter of America’s innovation economy.
Presented by RIHub and scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26 at the Newport Beach House in Middletown, R.I., the 2nd Annual Newport Investor Summit will bring together more than 60 top investors operating across the Northeast to hear pitches from 36 highly curated companies looking to grow in the healthcare, ocean technology and high-tech sectors. Each of the companies presenting at this year’s Summit are seeking to raise between $750,000 – $2 million in funding to support their Seed or Series A rounds.
At the inaugural Newport Investor Summit in 2024, roughly 40 percent of participating startups entered due diligence with investors they met during the event.
“The Newport Investor Summit is where capital meets breakthrough innovation with ‘win-win’ deals,” said RIHub Board Chairman and founder Pete Rumsey. “RIHub is catalyzing the innovation and Entrepreneurship ecosystem for industry and for startups here in Rhode Island and Southern New England.”
Beyond the curated pitch presentations, the Newport Investor Summit is designed to serve as a one-day showcase of the New England region’s economy. The event’s speaking lineup aims to provide attendees with opportunities to share insights, explore co-investment opportunities and connect with the broader startup ecosystem here in the southeastern New England region.
Guest speakers headlining the 2025 Newport Investor Summit include:
“As the Newport Investor Summit evolves, we are aiming to prove that this is more than a pitch event; it’s a relationship-building catalyst for investors and entrepreneurs alike,” said RIHub Managing Director Annette Tonti. “We thank our guest speakers in advance for taking the time to share that expertise and experiences with our audience, and we look forward to helping deals get started in Newport next week.”
The full agenda and information on last-minute registration opportunities for the Summit can be found at www.NewportInvestorSummit.com.
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About the Newport Investor Summit
The Newport Investor Summit is Rhode Island’s premier gathering of early-stage investors and high-growth startups, curated and produced by RIHub. Now in its second year, the Summit accelerates investment and innovation across Southeastern New England by connecting capital with opportunity in an intimate, high-impact setting.
About RIHub
RIHub serves as the pivotal regional nexus for innovation across Rhode Island and neighboring communities. Functioning as an innovation catalyst, this hub equips founders of high-potential growth startups with essential tools and support to establish and expand their ventures. Serving as the driving force of the ecosystem, RIHub offers a spectrum of initiatives encompassing programs, mentorship, business planning, investor connections, and access to an extensive network and corporate liaisons for startups in their early and mid-stages.
Central to its mission is the orchestration of collaboration among key stakeholders in the region, including corporations, universities, government bodies, investors, entrepreneurs, and other prominent innovation-driven entities. RIHub is committed to nurturing the aspirations of innovators and facilitating the realization of successful startup enterprises by paving the commercial pathway for them to originate, thrive, and scale within the region.
Learn more at www.RIHub.org.
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]]>The post Standing-Room-Only Crowd Gathers in Newport to Address the Ongoing Investment Gap for Female Founders first appeared on RIHub.
]]>Standing-Room-Only Crowd Gathers in Newport to Address the Ongoing Investment Gap for Female Founders
Newport, RI — On July 23, RIHub’s New England Female Founders (NEFF) network hosted a powerful and well-attended evening at the OceanCliff Hotel, bringing together over 200 investors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for a candid discussion about progress—and persistent challenges—facing women entrepreneurs in today’s innovation economy.
Timed to follow the close of the Opal Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum, the sold-out after-party event served as a follow-up to last year’s standing-room-only screening of Show Her the Money. This year’s program moved beyond the screen and into action, featuring an insightful panel moderated by and for women shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
The panel, led by Melissa Bowley, CEO Flourish Care, included powerhouse leaders from across the venture capital and startup ecosystem:
The panel took an honest look at what’s changed since last year—and what hasn’t. Despite increased awareness, female founders still receive only 2% of all venture capital funding. Research continues to show that startups led by women outperform their male-led counterparts in capital efficiency and ROI, yet barriers to capital persist. Women of color face even steeper hurdles, receiving less than 1% of total funding.
“This event was more than a gathering—it was a call to action,” said Annette Tonti, Managing Director of RIHub and founder of NEFF. “We’re proud to see the momentum building, but the numbers don’t lie. It’s time for systemic change that goes beyond performative support and actually shifts capital into the hands of women building incredible companies.”
NEFF, a network powered by RIHub, is co-chaired by Melissa Bowley, founder of Flourish Fund, and supported by a dedicated group of volunteers including Vanessa Alvarez, Erynn Petersen, Rachel Leigh Gross, and Christina Quinn. Together, this team curates programs that shine a light on female founders and connect them to real opportunities for funding and growth.
The evening also served as a networking launchpad for emerging entrepreneurs and active investors, reinforcing Rhode Island and Southeastern New England as a rising hub for inclusive innovation.
“We’re not waiting for permission to lead,” said Bowley. “We’re building our own networks, our own capital pathways, and creating a future that includes women at every table where decisions—and investments—are being made.”
RIHub and NEFF will continue to advance the conversation with upcoming events, mentorship opportunities, and deal flow forums designed specifically to close the gender gap in venture funding.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.rihub.org.
About RIHub
RIHub is Rhode Island’s Innovation Hub, helping high-growth entrepreneurs start and scale in the Ocean State. Through programming, mentoring, and events, RIHub connects startups to capital, customers, and community across Rhode Island and Southeastern New England.
About NEFF
New England Female Founders (NEFF) is a network launched by RIHub to empower, support, and elevate female entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors, mentors, and one another. NEFF champions inclusive growth and the equitable distribution of investment capital.
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The post Standing-Room-Only Crowd Gathers in Newport to Address the Ongoing Investment Gap for Female Founders first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The post RIHub Expands to Greater Newport, Launches Strategic Innovation Partnership with Innovate Newport and Rogue Venture Partners first appeared on RIHub.
]]>RIHub Expands to Greater Newport, Launches Strategic Innovation Partnership with Innovate Newport and Rogue Venture Partners
Providence, RI — RIHub, Rhode Island’s Innovation Hub, announced today a strategic collaboration with Innovate Newport and Rogue Venture Partners to expand innovation programming and investment support to the Greater Newport region. This landmark partnership strengthens Rhode Island’s statewide startup ecosystem by bringing RIHub’s proven incubation model directly to the region’s entrepreneurs.
The collaboration, effective August 1, 2025, is formalized through a tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and creates a new Incubator for high growth startup businesses called The Launch@Innovate Newport. A press event will be held on Thursday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Innovate Newport (513 Broadway, Newport, RI) to celebrate the launch and share more about the vision behind this transformative partnership.
There will be an official launch party for the incubator —an evening of celebration, connection, and community on August 14, 2025. All are invited to attend. The Incubator will kick off a bold new chapter for innovation in Newport.
As part of the agreement:
“RIHub is thrilled to open a dedicated incubator for entrepreneurs in Newport,” said Pete Rumsey, Chief Business Development Officer URI Research Foundation and Chairman of RIHub. “Because it’s nearby, this new space will benefit our university students from URI and other educational institutions across Rhode Island. We will give them direct access to the programs, mentorship, and funding they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses.”
“This partnership marks a significant step in advancing our vision for a vibrant innovation-driven economy in Greater Newport,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. “By joining forces, we’re creating a unified hub where local entrepreneurs can access funding, expert guidance, and statewide support—all in one place.”
“At Rogue Venture Partners, we’ve always seen the value in nurturing innovation ecosystems in emerging markets,” said Tom Sperry, Founder of Rogue Venture Partners. “This partnership allows us to become an integral part of Newport’s entrepreneurial landscape and reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting its growth and potential.”
Under the MOU, RIHub will manage coworking access for Rogue-funded founders and others. RIHub will integrate them into a robust incubation pathway to help them with their business model and ultimately their pitch. Programs will include customer discovery, financial planning, pitch development, and investor readiness. The initiative will help unlock new economic opportunities for Greater Newport and extend Rhode Island’s innovation footprint.
About RIHub
RIHub is Rhode Island’s Innovation Hub, supporting high-growth startups and powering the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. RIHub provides structured mentoring, education, and access to capital for startups at every stage—from idea to investment. Since its founding, RIHub has supported over 200 startups and delivered thousands of hours of mentoring and programming to founders throughout the region.
About the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is one of Rhode Island’s largest business advocacy organizations, with nearly 1,000 members representing over 50,000 employees. Its mission is to connect, innovate, enhance, and advocate for the businesses of the Greater Newport region.
About Rogue Venture Partners
Rogue Venture Partners is a Portland, Oregon-based venture capital firm investing in underrepresented innovation markets. Rogue is dedicated to building strong ecosystems by backing exceptional entrepreneurs in places where capital and mentorship are needed most.
The post RIHub Expands to Greater Newport, Launches Strategic Innovation Partnership with Innovate Newport and Rogue Venture Partners first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The post RIHub and C10 Labs Partner to Strengthen Early Stage “Applied AI” Innovation in New England first appeared on RIHub.
]]>Cambridge, MA & Providence, RI — C10 Labs, an AI venture studio and venture firm, is excited to announce a partnership with RIHub, Rhode Island and Southeastern New England’s leading entrepreneurship and innovation center. This collaboration will provide entrepreneurs in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island with greater access to AI development resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities, further strengthening New England as a hub for “Applied AI” ventures.
The partnership between C10 Labs and RIHub aims to create a stronger pipeline for early-stage founders building AI solutions while assisting in scaling their businesses. Through shared networks, accelerator programming, and investment and co-development opportunities, the two organizations will open doors for entrepreneurs seeking to grow their ventures.
The key purposes of this partnership include:
“Some of the best talent in our programs come from innovation that is developed in Rhode Island or founders coming from that community” said Shahid Azim, CEO of C10 Labs. “RIHub and founders in the community are leading breakthroughs in energy, climate, biotech, ocean tech, robotics and more.”
C10 Labs’ venture studio provides startups with AI technical development resources and engineers, access to investors, and GTM specialists for early-stage founders to commercialize their products faster. Recently, C10 Labs launched their partnership with LabCentral to recruit AI/Bio founders and IP that was ready for commercialization.
“RIHub is the engine that powers high-growth startups in Rhode Island and southern New England, helping them commercialize breakthrough ideas through targeted resources, mentorship, and access to investors,” said Annette Tonti, RIHub’s Managing Director. “What sets us apart is our ability to connect founders with the right ecosystem players—like C10 Labs—whose deep AI expertise immediately enhances the support we can offer, especially as so many startups are now building AI-driven solutions.”
About C10 Labs
C10 Labs, located in Cambridge, is a venture studio and fund dedicated to reshaping the landscape of AI-first startups. We collaborate with visionary entrepreneurs to advance and expand their ventures. By providing our teams with comprehensive technological support, operational expertise, and access to a distinguished network of advisors, we collectively amplify our impact.
About RIHub
RIHub serves as a central hub for innovation in Rhode Island and its neighboring communities. As a catalyst for entrepreneurship, RIHub provides founders of high-potential growth startups with the tools, resources, and support needed to launch and scale their ventures. RIHub provides comprehensive programs, mentorship, business planning, investor connections, and access to an extensive network of corporate and industry partners—tailored to startups in their early and mid-stages. We guide entrepreneurs along their “commercialization pathway,” enabling them to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses. RIHub is dedicated to empowering innovators and building successful startups that originate, grow, and scale within our community.
Media Contact:
David Berlin
[email protected]
The post RIHub and C10 Labs Partner to Strengthen Early Stage “Applied AI” Innovation in New England first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The post Auxilium and RIHub Partner to Strengthen Innovation and Entrepreneurship in New England first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The partnership between Auxilium and RIHub aims to create a stronger pipeline for startups in Central Mass and Rhode Island to scale their businesses. Through shared networks, educational programs, and collaboration, the two organizations will open doors for entrepreneurs seeking to grow their ventures with the right resources and support.
A Powerful Collaboration for Startups
“We are excited to partner with RIHub and create a pathway for entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses,” said Zachary Dutton, Executive Director of Auxilium. “The talent emerging from Rhode Island’s universities and startup community is impressive, and we look forward to working with RIHub to help them succeed.”
Auxilium’s Accelerator Program, launching in June 2025, will provide startups with a three-month program and an initial investment of $250,000, designed to help them scale quickly. Meanwhile, the Innovation Studio, set to open in Fall 2025, will offer extended residency, mentorship, and staged funding up to $100,000 to support early-stage startups.
“Our partnership with Auxilium is an exciting opportunity to create more resources and support for Rhode Island entrepreneurs.” said Annette Tonti, Executive Director at RIHub. “By working together, we are fostering a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem that benefits startups at all stages.”
This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to driving innovation, economic development, and entrepreneurial success across state lines.
About Auxilium:
Auxilium’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs by providing the tools, resources and support needed to thrive. The Accelerator, launching its first class in June 2025, and the Innovation Studio, set to open in Fall 2025, will offer 14,000 sq. ft. of workspace, mentorship, and access to a network of industry leaders and investors. Auxilium is a project backed by Rucker Investments, a family office with diversified holdings that is focused on fostering innovation. To learn more or to apply to the Auxilium Accelerator, please visit AuxiliumWorcester.com.
About RIHub
RIHub serves as a central hub for innovation in Rhode Island and its neighboring communities. As a catalyst for entrepreneurship, RIHub provides founders of high-potential growth startups with the tools, resources, and support needed to launch and scale their ventures. RIHub provides comprehensive programs, mentorship, business planning, investor connections, and access to an extensive network of corporate and industry partners—tailored to startups in their early and mid-stages. We guide entrepreneurs along their “commercialization pathway,” enabling them to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses. RIHub is dedicated to empowering innovators and building successful startups that originate, grow, and scale within our community.
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Media Contact:
Auxilium Worcester
Stephanie Ramey
(774) 386-2259
[email protected]
The post Auxilium and RIHub Partner to Strengthen Innovation and Entrepreneurship in New England first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The post Inaugural Newport Investor Summit to Connect Investors and Startups Across the East Coast first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The Newport Investor Summit will offer a unique opportunity for participants to engage with cutting-edge companies and the latest innovations. Nearly 100 applications were submitted by startups eager to pitch at the event. There were 36 entrepreneurs selected to pitch at the event.
Kicking off the summit will be Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. We will also hear from Jon Chait, a leader at the investment firm, In-Q-Tel. Closing the event will be Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce, Elizabeth Tanner.
“We’re thrilled to host so many great startups at The Summit. We look forward to seeing these pitches and connecting them with investors who can help accelerate their growth,” said Pat Sabatino, Investor Summit Co-Chair, Newport Investor Summit.
The Summit team has collaborated with a number of East Coast accelerators to identify and curate the best startups that offer compelling investment opportunities. The event will be structured around three distinct tracks:
**Health Tech: Spotlighting cutting-edge innovations in healthcare, including digital health, medical devices, and biotech solutions.
**Ocean Tech/Dual Use: Focusing on groundbreaking technologies that serve both civilian and military applications, with a special emphasis on oceanic and maritime advancements.
**Showcase: A diverse array of startups spanning multiple industries, offering a glimpse into the future of innovation across various sectors.
The Newport Investor Summit promises to be an exciting event for all participating startups, but also for investors looking to discover the next wave of innovation. With representation from top-tier investors, accelerators, and thought leaders, the Summit is set to be a transformative experience for all involved.
For more information on the Newport Investor Summit, please visit www.newportinvestorsummit.org or contact [email protected]
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The Newport Investor Summit, taking place on September 27, 2024, is a one-day event designed to foster connections between early-stage startups and investors. The event is produced by RIHub, Rhode Island’s Innovation Hub and The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. Newport is known for its rich maritime heritage. The city hosts world-class sailing events, including the America’s Cup, and has a vibrant maritime industry. This deep-rooted nautical culture complements its naval presence, making Newport a unique blend of military and civilian maritime interests. The Newport Investor Summit will bring together industry leaders in healthcare, the military as well as early-stage startup investors.
Sponsors of the Newport Investor Summit include Cox Business, JP Morgan, IBM, Marcum, Brown University Innovations, Rhode Island Life Sciences, the van Beuren Foundation and SiliconXL.
RIHub serves as the pivotal regional nexus for innovation across Rhode Island and neighboring communities. Functioning as an innovation catalyst, this hub equips founders of high-potential growth startups with essential tools and support to establish and expand their ventures. Serving as the driving force of the ecosystem, RIHub offers a spectrum of initiatives encompassing programs, mentorship, business planning, investor connections, and access to an extensive network and corporate liaisons for startups in their early and mid-stages. Central to its mission is the orchestration of collaboration among key stakeholders in the region, including corporations, universities, government bodies, investors, entrepreneurs, and other prominent innovation-driven entities. RIHub is committed to nurturing the aspirations of innovators and facilitating the realization of successful startup enterprises by paving the commercial pathway for them to originate, thrive, and scale within the region.
The post Inaugural Newport Investor Summit to Connect Investors and Startups Across the East Coast first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The post Rhode Island Startup Week Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Over 40 Events first appeared on RIHub.
]]>To kick off the week, a ‘block party’ featuring DesignWeek, FashionWeek, and Rhode Island Startup Week, will come together for Week Night at the 195-District Park on Friday, September 20th. The event concludes DesignWeek, and celebrates the midpoint of FashionWeek, and the kickoff for Startup Week. Admission is free, as are most events throughout the week.
New this year is an entire day dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Chris Parisi, Vice Chair of the state’s AI Task Force, will lead discussions on AI topics, and how RI will be a leader in AI. IBM will lead an AI panel and SiliconXL hosts a “Startup Launch-A-Thon’. Brown University will host its 2nd Annual Innovation@Brown Showcase on Thursday, and The Nelson Center’s B-Lab will feature their final pitch event on Wednesday.
“There are so many people and organizations doing incredible things in this state,” said Annette Tonti, Managing Director of RIHub. “Rhode Island Startup Week is our way of amplifying their work and celebrating their achievements.”
Throughout the week, highlights include Monday’s Innovation Crawl from Innovate Newport and Venture Cafe, the fan-favorite Calamari Tank on Wednesday, and Thursday’s Innovation@Brown Showcase. On Friday, the week culminates with the Newport Investor Summit, a super-networking event for investors and entrepreneurs.
“This year, we are seeing more collaboration and larger-scale events,” said Mia Nolan, Director of Operations for Rhode Island Startup Week. “The Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) has been a crucial partner, providing space for many of the events at their 225 Dyer Street location in Providence.”
401 Tech Bridge, Ann Clanton Communications, Beacon Angels, Brown’s Nelson Center B-Lab, Brown University, Butler Digital Marketing, Center for Women and Enterprise, CIC, Climate Resilience Offsets, Cox Business, DesignXRI, FashionWeek, Founders Approach, Hope & Main, Howell Legal, IBM, Infused Innovations, Innovate Newport, Marstone, Navsea, NEIT, Nhuad Controllers, Project Insulin, Rezoomex, RI AI Task Force, RIBio, RI Business Competition, RI Game Institute, RIHub, RISE_UP, Sagely, Santoro Design, SBA, Scroobius, SiliconXL, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, Trail Blaze Marketing, Trouble Fest, University of Rhode Island, Unleashed Games, USPTO, Venture Café.
**Sponsors of Rhode Island Startup Week include:**
Cox Business, IBM, Rezoomex, Feeny Law, Brown University.
Produced by RIHub (Rhode Island’s Innovation Hub), Rhode Island Startup Week is an annual celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in Rhode Island. First there was ‘Startup Day’ in 2019, produced by Pat Sabatino and the RI Coalition of Entrepreneurs. Startup weekend in 2020 than for the past 3 years, Rhode Island has hosted a full week of celebration and collaboration for entrepreneurs across the state. This week-long event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and the community of great leaders who promote and support the growth of startups in the state.
If you’re launching a startup in Rhode Island, your first stop is RIHub. Since 2019, we enable and accelerate entrepreneurial ventures that have a high potential for growth. Through our incubation space, mentoring, online community portal and numerous programs, we provide an engine of entrepreneurship for Rhode Island. We serve as the connector to entrepreneurs, inventors, investors, students, corporate leaders and global accelerators: In addition, we provide free mentoring services via MIT-developed Venture Mentoring Services. Join us to find your pathway to growth and success.
Inquiries:
Annette Tonti
Managing Director, RIHub
[email protected]
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]]>The post Empowerment Takes Center Stage first appeared on RIHub.
]]>Providence, RI, June 26, 2024 — Did you know that Startups founded solely by women currently receive less than 2% of available venture funding in the US? To shed light on the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and celebrate their resilience, New England Female Founders (NEFF) invites you to join us on July 22, 2024 for an evening of empowerment, connections, and conversation including the Rhode Island debut screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Show Her the Money“.
The event will take place at the Jane Pickens Theater, 49 Touro St, Newport, RI 02840 on Monday, July 22, 2024, from 6PM – 9PM.
Following the film, there will be a panel discussion featuring Allison Byers, CEO & Founder of Scroobius, La Keisha Landrum Pierre, Managing Partner at Emmeline Ventures, Melissa Sherman, CEO of MOBILion Systems Inc., Shruti Shah, Partner at Symphonic Capital and Tom Sperry, Managing Partner at Rogue Venture Partners & Managing Director at Rogue Women’s Fund.
The Rhode Island debut of “Show Her the Money” promises to be an evening of empowerment, as NEFF brings together a community of passionate and driven individuals committed to fostering a supportive ecosystem for female entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, engage in thought-provoking panel conversation, and be inspired by the stories of women who are making a significant impact in the business world.
“Show Her the Money” is an inspiring documentary that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of female entrepreneurs. The film follows four visionary founders as they endure uphill battles while turning their ideas into reality. Despite the challenges they face, these women use their determination and passion to become even more resourceful and resilient, with the financial support and mentorship of their investors. Featuring rock-star female investors who invest in diverse women entrepreneurs building innovations that will change the world, Show Her The Money reminds us that money is power, and to achieve true equality, investing in women is imperative.
Sponsors of this event include Rogue Venture Partners and Rogue Women’s Fund, that specializes in backing female CEOs and founders as well as Bank Newport a community bank that believes by helping individuals and businesses to succeed financially, the whole community thrives. For more information and to purchase tickets, register online at: Show Her the Money RI Debut Screening RSVP
About New England Female Founders and those that support us
NEFF is a networking community and advocacy group created by RIHub to support the founders of high-growth women-led businesses across the New England region. NEFF exists to help female entrepreneurs connect, explore, and advocate for our future. We welcome all to our events and join our community. NEFF does not discriminate based on gender or gender identity and welcomes participation from all people who are passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs. By fostering a collaborative environment, NEFF aims to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.
RIHub serves as the pivotal regional nexus for innovation across Rhode Island and neighboring communities. Functioning as an innovation catalyst, this hub equips founders of high-potential growth startups with essential tools and support to establish and expand their ventures. Serving as the driving force of the ecosystem, RIHub offers a spectrum of initiatives encompassing programs, mentorship, business planning, investor connections, and access to an extensive network and corporate liaisons for startups in their early and mid-stages. Central to its mission is the orchestration of collaboration among key stakeholders in the region, including corporations, universities, government bodies, investors, entrepreneurs, and other prominent innovation-driven entities. RIHub is committed to nurturing the aspirations of innovators and facilitating the realization of successful startup enterprises by paving the commercial pathway for them to originate, thrive, and scale within the region.
Contact:
New England Female Founders (NEFF)
Melissa Bowley
[email protected]
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Annette Tonti
[email protected]
The post Empowerment Takes Center Stage first appeared on RIHub.
]]>The post RIHub’s Venture Mentoring Services Celebrates Major Milestone first appeared on RIHub.
]]>Providence, RI, March 12, 2024 — RIHub’s Venture Mentoring Services (VMS) is thrilled to announce a significant achievement: the collective dedication of over 10,000 volunteer hours to support the growth and success of startups across Rhode Island. This milestone underscores RIHub’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the state.
Since its inception in 2018, founded by Paul Olean, Venture Mentoring Service has been dedicated to enhancing Rhode Island’s economy by nurturing early-stage businesses. Drawing inspiration from the renowned MIT Venture Mentoring Service program, RIHub VMS has adopted proven methodologies to deliver comprehensive mentorship, providing invaluable guidance in a trusted environment. Today, VMS has eighty-five mentors who volunteer their time to support eighty-six active startup entrepreneurs.
RIHub provided the perfect home for VMS, integrating it seamlessly into its program offerings by December 2019. RIHub VMS stands out by offering a unique, deep advisory relationship with entrepreneurs, offering direct business advice, leadership development, and access to a robust network of industry professionals. What sets RIHub VMS apart is its personalized approach to mentorship. Each founder is assigned a dedicated “mentor team” and retains control over the agenda and timing of meetings, fostering a collaborative and empowering environment.
“The Mentors who serve RIHub VMS are one of the most significant assets we have in this state that serve entrepreneurs” said Annette Tonti, Managing Director at RIHub. “We are particularly grateful for the hard work and dedication of Mia Nolan, Program Director, RIHub VMS who has worked tirelessly to build this distinguished community over many years.”
The impact of RIHub VMS is tangible. With an average of 1.3 mentor meetings per day, the program has nurtured 280 ventures to date, with a cumulative total of over 1,514 mentoring sessions conducted throughout the years. This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of the 142 mentors who have generously volunteered their time since 2018.
RIHub VMS is industry agnostic, catering to entrepreneurs from diverse sectors including food, bio/pharma, medical tech, ocean tech, defense, software, high tech, manufacturing, and engineering. By providing crucial pillars of support such as experienced guidance, strategic advice, networking opportunities, and unwavering encouragement, RIHub VMS empowers entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and thrive.
For more information about RIHub and RIHub’s Venture Mentoring Services, please visit RIHub.org.
RIHub is the regional hub for innovation for Rhode Island and surrounding communities. We provide support for all ‘high global growth’ startups and entrepreneurs as they get established and scale their businesses. RIHub is the ‘ecosystem engine’ that provides mentorship, business planning, introductions to investors, networking, and connections to corporations for early and mid-stage startups. We convene the key players in the region for high growth startups including corporations, universities, government, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders. RIHub exists to help the dreamers to innovate and to create successful startup businesses by providing the commercial pathway to start here, stay here and scale here.
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Annette Tonti
[email protected]
The post RIHub’s Venture Mentoring Services Celebrates Major Milestone first appeared on RIHub.
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