In the last two years Connecticut Innovations has more than doubled the number of companies it supports and quadrupled the number of angel investors in its system.
For decades the quasi-public financing entity has helped businesses start and grow in the state. But after new support from the 2011 jobs bill and its mergers with the Connecticut Development Authority and Small Business Innovation group, CI has embarked onto a new chapter. The entity now supports 91 companies, representing some $10.8 million in pre-seed and seed investments.
To mark the growth, CI this week launched a new easier-to-use website and weekly newsletter for entrepreneurs. Claire Leonardi, CI CEO, said the new look better reflects the high-tech start up community in Connecticut, of which they support. The old website was several years old.
“Connecticut Innovations operates in sophisticated, highly-technical industries and should embody an image that reflects that we belong here,” Leonardi said. “Our new look identifies closely with the investment and lending communities and was designed to appeal to our innovative portfolio companies and prospects as well.”
