Advancing Grambling State University
Angel Investor Initiative Funds Technology & Entrepreneurship Exposure for Students & Faculty
By Jovan Hackley
The New Louisiana Angel Fund 2 (NLAF 2), a $3 million angel investment fund made up of about 60 accredited angel investors and companies, announced its partnership with Grambling State University and five additional institutions.
“With this NLAF 2 partnership we hope to open the world of investing and entrepreneurship to promising students in North Louisiana, who we believe will become active entrepreneurs or supporters of the startup community,” said John F. George Jr., M.D., President and CEO of Building Our Region (BRF).BRF has provided $75,000 for the participating universities to become members of the fund.
“Investing in a knowledge-based economy while at the same time diversifying our region’s economy through the launch of innovative, high-growth startups is a win-win for BRF, North Louisiana and our partner universities.”
More than 40 of the Angel Capital Association’s (ACA) 260 member groups, like NLAF 2, have a similar connection to a partner university. Examples include the Duke Angel Network, the Harvard Business Alumni Angels of Greater New York and Notre Dame’s inspired angel group, Irish Angels.
“Ultimately our goal is to provide an invaluable opportunity for our local colleges of business to become more knowledgeable, involved and supportive of the entrepreneur ecosystem that NLAF and others are building and promoting in this region,” said Dr. George.
“We know that North Louisiana and the Universities that line I-20 corridor produce the graduates that are innovating throughout our state,” said Marc Newman, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Research, & Economic Development of Grambling State University.
“We appreciate the opportunity to work with current and future business leaders who are recognizing and bringing to life more opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship.”
NLAF 2 is the second fund of its kind to be launched by BRF. The New Louisiana Angel Fund 1 (NLAF 1), launched in 2015 at $2.6 million, has funded 13 North Louisiana-based high-growth startups.
For more information on Building Our Region or the New Louisiana Angel Fund 2 (NLAF 2), visit BRFLA.org.