TRENTON, N.J. (August 2, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on amendments to the Authority’s rules on disqualification, debarment, and suspension. The Authority’s debarment and disqualification rules were last updated in 2010. These draft new rules are proposed to codify the Authority’s suspension procedure and to update the Authority’s existing debarment and disqualification rules consistent with current Authority policies and procedures.

WHAT:            The document posted on the NJEDA webpage is a draft, which will be presented to the NJEDA Board, with any final edits, for its review and consideration for approval. If approved, the amendments will be published in the New Jersey Register for formal public comment as required by the Administrative Procedure Act before adoption.

WHEN:           Feedback must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Written feedback can be submitted here.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn

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Tax credit auction will support programs to alleviate food deserts and make nutritious foods more accessible & affordable

TRENTON, N.J. (July 29, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will auction up to $20 million in corporate and insurance premiums tax credits through the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auction. Applications for the auction will open on August 28, 2024. The proceeds of the auction will fund programs aimed to improve and increase access to healthy and affordable food throughout New Jersey’s 50 Food Desert Communities (FDCs).

WHAT:            The 2024 tax credit auction was approved by the NJEDA Board in February, following the successful sale of $15 million in tax credits during the first tax credit auction in 2023.Proceeds from the 2023 and 2024 auctions will be used to fund programs that will advance the priorities established by the Food Desert Relief Act.

These future grants, loans, and/or technical assistance initiatives will complement the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program, a tax credit program to support the development and operation of new supermarkets in FDCs, by supporting small and mid-sized food retailers and other entities involved in strengthening food security.

WHO:              Eligible bidders must be New Jersey Corporation Business Tax or Insurance Premiums Tax filers. Companies do not need to be in a food desert or in the food industry to buy tax credits through the auction. Companies can bid for tax credits at a discount of up to 15 percent.

WHEN:           Applications will open on August 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and close on September 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

                        A sample application and details about the auction process can be found here. Questions may be submitted to FDRTCAuction@NJEDA.gov until August 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Answers will be posted no later than August 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (July 25, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on amendments to the Authority’s prevailing wage rules. The Authority’s prevailing wage rules were last updated over a decade ago. These amendments are proposed to bring the rules up to date with the statutory changes that have since occurred, including the Economic Recovery Act, the Public Works Contractor Registration Act, and the Prevailing Wage Act. 

WHAT:            The document posted on the NJEDA webpage is a draft, which will be presented to the NJEDA Board, with any final edits, for its review and consideration for approval. If approved, the amendments will be published in the New Jersey Register for formal public comment as required by the Administrative Procedure Act before adoption.

WHEN:           Feedback must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Written feedback can be submitted here.

A virtual listening session will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Click here for more information.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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The Next New Jersey Program Provides Tax Credits to Innovative AI Companies

ROSELAND – Governor Phil Murphy today signed A4558/S3432, establishing the Next New Jersey Program that will attract new investment into the state’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry, creating new jobs and economic opportunities. The program will unlock access to capital for New Jersey’s innovators and entrepreneurs and ensure they have access to the infrastructure necessary to make new, cutting-edge developments, which will position the state as a national leader in the industry.

“AI has already started to revolutionize our everyday lives, and New Jersey is capitalizing on this moment to ensure we establish ourselves as a frontrunner in generative AI innovation,” said Governor Murphy. “The creation of this program will support the growth of AI-related businesses, which could lead to scientific breakthroughs and lifesaving discoveries right in our backyard. AI will be a transformative industry that will change lives and grow our economy and New Jersey is ready to take the lead.”

The Next New Jersey Program will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), which will award tax credits to eligible businesses that are engaged in artificial intelligence work or large-scale artificial intelligence data centers. Artificial intelligence related activities could include developing new algorithms and techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing; creating AI-powered software and hardware products, including for medical modeling; and developing AI chatbots for customer service.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has been making major investments in emerging industries to help create sustainable, long-term economic growth,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Next New Jersey Program will build upon the Garden State’s longstanding legacy in innovation and drive the state’s prominence in the rapidly growing AI industry, and create a strategic advantage for our innovators. AI presents an opportunity for new industry development in the state, good-paying jobs for our residents, and a stronger and more diverse economy for the next generation.”

Last December, the Murphy Administration and Princeton University announced a partnership to develop an AI Hub, which will advance New Jersey’s leadership in the field and catalyze innovation in AI technologies. The AI Hub is expected to bring together industry leaders, researchers, and start-up companies to advance research and development in the emerging field. The hub will promote workforce development to support new AI technology development and implementation. Additionally, the AI Hub will house dedicated accelerator space and work to advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact.

Last fall, Governor Murphy also established the AI Task Force, charged with studying emerging AI technologies and its societal impacts. The state’s AI initiative draws on New Jersey’s unique strengths in the health, sustainability, financial, and technology sectors, which stand to benefit from the application of AI technologies to advance innovative breakthroughs.

The prime sponsors of this bill are Senator Raj Mukherji and Assemblyman Chris Tully.

“From life-saving healthcare breakthroughs to traffic jams, artificial intelligence will touch every aspect of our daily lives,” said Senator Raj Mukherji, a former information technology CEO. “Through the responsible incentives in the Next New Jersey legislation, we are cementing New Jersey’s place at the forefront of technological advancement and economic competitiveness as we tap into the transformative potential of AI. Through job creation, catalyzing innovation, and empowering our higher education institutions, we will see incredible return on our investment.”

“The Next New Jersey Program is a bold step forward in making our state a leading hub for the rapidly evolving AI industry and ensure we continue building a prosperous and innovative future for all of New Jersey,” said Assemblyman Tully. “New Jersey’s investment lets industry know our state is a competitive and committed leader in AI.”

“The signing of this bill is definitive proof that New Jersey is open for AI business,” said Brian Venturo, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at CoreWeave. “This not only reinforces New Jersey’s heritage as a state of innovators but also paves the way for significant advancements and opportunities in AI development. As the AI Hyperscaler, CoreWeave is proud to be headquartered here and excited to continue driving this industry forward.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Wellness center in city’s South Ward will house major Federally Qualified Health Center

TRENTON, N.J. (July 23, 2024) – Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved Aspire tax credits for a health care center in Newark. Located along Clinton Avenue in the city’s South Ward, the center will house a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), a pharmacy, and a variety of other community health offerings.

“Governor Phil Murphy envisioned the Aspire Program to support a wide-range of projects to spur community development and economic growth. Since its implementation, the program has gone on to support mixed-use housing developments, innovation hubs, production studios, and now a major health care center in the South Ward of Newark,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The South Ward Wellness Center will help transform the community by addressing health care inequities, while creating good-paying jobs and serving as an economic driver in the neighborhood. The Aspire Program is continuing to make a difference in communities across the state.”

The South Ward Wellness Center, which was approved for up to $21.7 million in Aspire tax credits, will consist of over 46,000 square feet, including a nearly 12,000-square-foot FQHC. FQHCs are nonprofit, community-based clinics focused on providing quality health care services to medically underserved areas and populations, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. The Wellness Center’s FQHC space will be leased by Saint James Health, Inc., which operates several FQHCs across Newark, and will offer primary and preventative community health care services.

The applicant, South Ward Promise Neighborhood (SWPN), will be the tenant for the remainder of the space at the Wellness Center. The community-focused nonprofit organization will provide numerous health care services, including group therapy, as well as maternal, medical, and physical health services. SWPN was formed in 2014 as a place-based organization focused on expanding access to quality education, food, housing, employment, and physical and mental health resources for families in Newark’s South Ward.

“I commend the NJEDA and all involved in making this transformative project a reality for our community,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “It is great to see what is possible when we lock arms to bring legislative policies to life as intended. This project not only delivers crucial health services to the South Ward but also stimulates local economic growth and job creation. The South Ward Wellness Center exemplifies our ongoing efforts to tackle decades of inequality in Newark while strengthening our families through a mission-driven approach.”

“Being born and raised in Newark, I understand the impact of ensuring access to healthcare in creating a healthier, more equitable community. Establishing a one-stop health center that offers access to a variety of services without needing to travel outside of this city will make a world of difference to its residents,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (D-Essex, Hudson). “The tax credit awards being announced today are the latest testament to the difference the Aspire program is having in cities and towns throughout New Jersey.”

“The approval of the Aspire award for the South Ward Wellness Center is a monumental achievement for New Jersey,” said Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “I am thrilled about the transformative impact this will have on our community, fostering wellness, growth, and a brighter future for the South Ward.”

The site is located at 479-485 Clinton Avenue and 648-652 Bergen Street, and is within proximity to multiple NJ TRANSIT bus lines. The site currently consists of vacant land and older retail and warehouse buildings which will be demolished to complete the project. The project will have four stories of approximately 11,500 square feet per story. Once complete, the building will include up to 11,000 square feet of solar panels to generate clean, renewable electricity and reduce operating costs.

“The South Ward Wellness Center is yet another example of our holistic approach to progress,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “This enables us to move several pegs forward at once, and in this case, we will provide residents with physical and mental healthcare and other wellness services, employment opportunities, a beautified neighborhood, and a boost in the community’s economy. I’m grateful to the South Ward Promise Neighborhood for helping to secure this very important tax credit and grateful for the many ways that Governor Murphy and NJEDA partner with us to help the people of Newark.”

Aspire is a place-based economic development program created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA) to support mixed-use, transit-oriented development with tax credits to commercial and residential real estate development projects that have financing gaps. As a performance-based program, projects must certify that all commitments established at time of approval have been met before receiving their first disbursement of tax credits.

In line with Governor Murphy’s and the NJEDA’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, the Aspire program rules include provisions, such as a gap financing review and excess revenue sharing requirements, to ensure tax credits are awarded responsibly.

The Aspire program application, as well as complete rules, eligibility requirements, award sizes, and other information can be found here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10:00 am.

A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:              551-220-2262

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:                    279 079 205#

Agreement Lays Groundwork for Planned NJEDA Initiative to Foster Employee Ownership Plans and Drive Generational Wealth

TRENTON, N.J. (July 18, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the Authority’s entry into an agreement with the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR), to create educational and informational programming in order to increase the quantity of New Jersey businesses utilizing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). An ESOP is an employee ownership model in which employees retain interest in shares of a company through holding corporate stock in a trust, providing a succession plan for business owners while building wealth for workers.

In 2021, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 262, which established the Wealth Disparity Task Force and tasked it with examining the causes of, and creating remedies for, the longstanding wealth disparities that affect Black and Hispanic or Latino New Jerseyans. As part of the State Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Act, $6 million of funding was allocated to the NJEDA for Wealth Disparity Initiatives based on the work of the Wealth Disparity Task Force. This MOU will be funded through part of that allocation.

“The ESOP model has been deployed successfully by thousands of companies nationally and presents a fantastic alternative for New Jersey businesses looking to solidify their succession plans and offer a family- sustaining benefit to their employees,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The team at Rutgers has amassed significant expertise on the deployment of ESOPs, and will be a crucial partner in raising awareness of this tremendous financial opportunity for New Jerseyans.”

Despite the success of ESOPs nationwide, to date, New Jersey continues to report one of the lowest rates of employee-owned companies across the United States. Currently, New Jersey is home to 88 ESOPs, holding $64.9 billion in plan assets covering 423,429 current employees and retirees, with an average stock account for eligible current employees of $188,868. 

“ESOPs offer a powerful mechanism for creating a stable transition plan for companies, while also helping employee owners accumulate wealth to pass on to future generations, particularly within communities of color,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, the Wealth Disparity Task Force identified an opportunity to mitigate barriers for entry into ESOPs, releasing their potential to secure the future of businesses and their employee owners that outpaces more widely-employed forms of savings and investment.”

Funded at $2 million, the MOU between the NJEDA and Rutgers SMLR will support the creation of a technical assistance program in which Rutgers SMLR will develop a tool to help interested New Jersey businesses determine if transitioning to an ESOP may be a viable option for succession planning. Additionally, Rutgers will spearhead a series of outreach initiatives designed to increase awareness and access to information for employees and business owners interested in considering becoming an ESOP. The programming will be led by SMLR’s Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing and its New Jersey/New York Center for Employee Ownership.

“A large percentage of retiring business owners have few succession plan options, and don’t realize they can sell the company to their employees instead of closing up shop,” said Professor Bill Castellano, Executive Director of the New Jersey/New York Center for Employee Ownership. “Employee ownership strategies save jobs and help to keep the business and the local economy going. Our research shows that when low-income workers own some or all of the companies where they work, they can also build significant wealth over time. Yet, this important option for succession and wealth preservation has to date not been sufficiently communicated to underrepresented business owners. This program aims to begin to correct that.”

In April 2024, the NJEDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program to solicit information on the current ecosystem surrounding employee ownership models, assistance programs offered by other jurisdictions, and barriers faced by aspiring employee-owned companies. The RFI revealed that the employee ownership transition process presents technical and financial barriers to entry that present challenges to business owners and employees related to the complex legal, accounting, administrative and compliance requirements. Despite these hurdles, many employee-owned companies continue to thrive, creating and sustaining wealth for their employee owners.

“The Wealth Disparity Task Force’s recommendation of ESOPs as a means to support businesses and help people of color build generational wealth is groundbreaking, as ESOPs offer a proven framework for achieving financial stability,” said NJEDA Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Bodden. “The collaboration of the NJEDA and Rutgers SMLR to advance this framework and educate the public on this opportunity will help families that struggle to save for the future achieve their long-term financial goals.”

“Studies show that employee ownership models support wealth building and retirement opportunities for workers. The Wealth Disparity Task Force found that employee ownership models can effectively address long-standing wealth disparities that disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic workers,” said Jayné Johnson, Director, NJ Office of Equity, Office of the NJ Governor. “This initiative will advance existing work in our state to expand opportunities for asset-limited workers and their families.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Funds will support investments in early-stage technology companies

TRENTON, N.J. (July 17, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today approved an investment into Newark Venture Partners, III, L.P. (NVP III) of up to $6 million under the NJEDA’s Venture Fund Investment Program. As a requirement of the program, NVP III will work to match every dollar of the NJEDA’s commitment to the Fund with an additional $2 into New Jersey-based companies. Additionally, up to $1 million of the NJEDA’s aggregate commitment will be invested through a fund to exclusively invest in Newark-based startups.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has been laser-focused on connecting entrepreneurs and companies of the future with access to capital,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Strategic investments in New Jersey’s innovation sector, like those made available under the NJEDA’s Venture Fund Investment Program, help drive ingenuity, generate good-paying jobs, and strengthen our economy, further positioning the Garden State as the premier destination for technology and innovation companies.”

NVP III is the third fund for Newark Venture Partners (NVP), a Newark-based early-stage venture capital firm. NVP leverages its corporate limited partner relationships, which include top corporate investors such as Audible (an Amazon company), Prudential, RWJBarnabas, Bank of America, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, to source potential investments, evaluate the commercial viability of opportunities, and add value to portfolio companies.

“This investment in NVP will have exponentially greater impact as it leverages the firm’s network and expertise, advancing the performance of technology businesses across the State,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “Investing in early-stage firms such as these will lead to economic transformation, job growth, and innovation for diverse New Jersey companies.”

The Authority prioritizes support for venture capital funds that invest in early-stage companies with less than $3 million in revenue, as well as supporting emerging technology companies. To date, the NJEDA has approved investments in 22 venture capital funds with cumulative commitments of more than $77 million, including an approximately $5.3 million commitment to NVP’s first two funds.

“The NJEDA has supported Newark Venture Partners from the beginning and continues to be a best-in-class partner as we evolve as a firm,” said Dan Borok, Managing Partner of NVP.  

“We value our ongoing partnership with the NJEDA and its efforts to propel New Jersey’s innovation economy forward,” said Vaughn Crowe, Managing Partner of NVP and a Newark native.

Cumulatively, past venture capital partners have invested approximately four times the NJEDA’s investment into more than 100 New Jersey early-stage technology and life science companies. Including other third-party investors, companies in the NJEDA venture fund portfolio have received $3 billion of funding. Active portfolio companies employed over 1,000 full time employees.

More information on Venture Fund Investments, including program details, evaluation criteria, and applications, can be found here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Bullpen Capital has invested over $3 million into The Many Company

TRENTON, N.J. (July 17, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved an investment from the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund (NJIEF) into an emerging women-led company, The Many Company. Located in Ridgewood, the investment into The Many Company comes from the approval of an application submitted by Bullpen Capital for an initial Qualified Investment of $3 million.

“The New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund is a groundbreaking tool that propels New Jersey’s economy forward by leveraging public and private dollars to invest in high-growth start-ups and entrepreneurs, providing a self-sustaining cycle of investment for innovators in need of access to capital,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Throughout Governor Murphy’s administration, New Jersey continues to further its legacy as a global leader in innovation by making substantial investments in the next generation of pioneering companies that call the Garden State home.”

The NJIEF, launched in 2022, is a unique tool to increase access to strategic resources and venture capital in New Jersey. Under the NJIEF, the State acts as an equity investor in early-stage companies, deploying up to $600 million into companies alongside professional venture capital firms. The Evergreen Fund currently has over $37 million available and is expected to use this to fund initial investments into additional high-growth businesses in New Jersey. The NJEDA is planning for another tax credit auction in 2025 to raise additional capital for further investment.

“The investment approved by our Board today adds to the NJIEF’s momentum and exemplifies the state’s commitment to supporting up-and-coming women-owned companies and entrepreneurs,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “By creating a stream of venture capital investment into  high growth start-ups, the NJIEF will continue to drive job creation and economic growth across the State.”

Based in Ridgewood, The Many Company was founded in 2020 by Carolyn Butler, a graduate of the Stevens Institute of Technology, and Rich Amsinger. Brought on by the birth of the founders’ first child and the realization that they had no use for outgrown baby clothes, The Many Company was conceived to enable direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) sustainable brands to accelerate growth and participate in the “circular economy.” Today, The Many Company sells refurbished, pre-owned resale apparel, overstock items, and offers returns through hosted web platforms, including through its own website, ManyMoons. Originally focused on children’s apparel, the company is now expanding into women’s apparel brand partners.

“Brands face a landscape fraught with logistical challenges and financial losses due to unsold inventory and retail returns. The Many Company changes that dynamic by transforming what was once considered a write-off loss into a significant revenue-generating opportunity,” said Carolyn Butler, Founder and CEO of The Many Company. “Our technology handles complex operations at scale, paired with syndication technology that drives sell-through across e-commerce platforms. This makes it easy for brands to unlock the value of physical assets while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact – a win-win for everyone. This investment from NJEDA, along with backing from industry-leading VCs like Bullpen Capital, will enable us to rapidly scale our technology and bring more brands into this new core pillar of retail technology and logistics.”

The Many Company, like all companies approved for investment under the NJIEF, will benefit from the strategic commitments made by NJIEF tax credit purchasers. These purchases, which fund investments made by the Qualified Venture Firms (QVFs), are made in tandem with commitments to provide strategic support to strengthen the State’s innovation ecosystem. These commitments, which include networking, mentoring, and educational opportunities, are a scored component of the tax credit purchasers’ bids.

Bullpen Management, LLC is one of the 14 QVFs approved to date to access up to $12.5 million from the NJIEF to co-invest in innovative, high-growth New Jersey-based businesses. Founded in 2010, Bullpen Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, California, and has a rich history of founding and investing in some of the industry’s most prominent technology companies such as FanDuel, Carbon Health, and Paper. Bullpen Management also has a history of providing support and mentorship to assist their portfolio companies in crossing over to mainstream consensus.

“Bullpen Capital strongly believes in the vision of the circular economy drawn by Carolyn Butler and the team at ManyMoons,” said Eric Wiesen, General Partner at Bullpen Capital. “Throughout our history, Bullpen has sought out non-consensus businesses, often located in emerging tech hubs like the one being built in New Jersey. We are thrilled to work with the NJEDA in our shared support of this dynamic and exciting company.”

Applications for venture firms seeking to qualify as a QVF can be found here and are being accepted on a rolling basis. The firms approved to date represent diversity in terms of investment strategy, industry, and stage. Additionally, there continues to be strong momentum from interested managers. The roster of the current approved managers can be found here.

Applications for approved QVFs to apply for Qualified Investments into high-growth, innovative businesses based in New Jersey are also now open. The total capital available for new investments stands at over $37 million.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Please be advised that the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2024 @ 10:30 AM is hereby cancelled.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 @ 10:30 AM.