Rowan Innovation Venture Fund

The Rowan Innovation Venture Fund (RIVF) is a University-based, private-equity fund. Launched with $5 million in 2014, the Rowan University Foundation expanded the venture capital fund to $25 million in 2022. The Foundation established the Fund to provide early-stage funding primarily to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and South Jersey individuals and companies that have developed and tested projects and products that are ready to compete in the marketplace.

The RIVF reflects Rowan University’s commitment to stimulating entrepreneurship, advancing research, and supporting economic development in the South Jersey region. We are interested in investing in high-quality, diverse opportunities in a wealth of industries, including automation and instrumentation, consumer products, energy, financing, food and beverage, health care/life sciences, Internet-related services, social ventures, software, telecommunications and any segment with high-growth potential.

The RIVF selects for funding proposals that have the strongest opportunity to succeed. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and its Advisory Committee meets monthly to make initial decisions. 

For any questions about the RIVF, please visit our FAQ page or contact Ernest Holtzheimer, Managing Director, at holtzheimer@rowan.edu or Joy Kudla at kudlaj@rowan.edu.