The basics:
- Founders in AI, biotech and clean tech pitch at NJx Venture Summit
- More than 170 people attended Dec. 3 event in Skillman
- 1435 Capital announces angel investments in BMI OrganBank, Pricklee
- Summit underscores momentum in New Jersey’s startup ecosystem
A recent event in Skillman showcased the New Jersey innovation economy in real-time.
NJBIZ was on hand Dec. 3, 2025, for the NJx Venture Summit at the Montgomery Innovation Hub. The event offered the opportunity for founders in AI, biotech, clean tech and alternative assets to showcase their products and companies. It also let them present to and connect with venture capital, angel investors and industry leaders.
The summit built on momentum from the the July 2025 NJx Venture Summit. 1435 Capital, Valley Bank, Startup Grind, Cogent Connections, Montgomery Innovation Hub and Venture X presented the latest event.
The winter NJx Venture Summit featured a full day of startup pitches, panels and networking, followed by a holiday party. Innovation+, Innovate100 and Jersey Tech & Innovation founder Jim Barrood delivered the keynote address.
More than 170 people signed up and attended. During the summit, founders had the unique opportunity to pitch to investors for a potential investment and received valuable feedback from attendees about their products.
Angel investments
Ben Jen, founder and managing partner of 1435 Capital Management and founder/managing director of Ben Jen Holdings LLC, announced angel investments into two of the presenting companies:
- BMI Organbank – medical device startup developing innovative organ perfusion and preservation systems, based in Skillman and Durham, N.C.
- Pricklee – Montvale-headquartered cactus water startup
“We are proud to announce that we made an angel investment into BMI OrganBank based in Durham, NC, and Skillman, NJ,” he wrote on the Ben Jen Holdings LinkedIn page. “BMI OrganBank develops novel perfusion technologies and devices to preserve, evaluate, and recondition organs and tissues (starting with kidneys) to increase the number of viable organs for transplantation.
“We are proud to have a new New Jersey startup in our portfolio.”
BMI OrganBank wrote on LinkedIn, “We’re grateful for the support of Ben Jen Holdings. Together, we’re advancing the science of organ preservation so more donor organs can reach the patients who need them. The momentum continues.”
Yes, cactus water
“Excited to share that our last angel investment of the year is in Pricklee, the cactus water startup bringing a new wave of better-for-you hydration to consumers,” Jen wrote on LinkedIn. “Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, Pricklee is building a differentiated, flavorful alternative in the functional beverage space while staying true to its mission of creating clean, refreshing products.
“Looking forward to supporting Kun Yang and the Pricklee team as they continue to grow their footprint, expand distribution, and introduce more people to cactus water in 2026.”
In response, Pricklee co-founder and CEO Yang wrote on LinkedIn, “Can’t wait to grow in 2026 with the living legend, Ben Jen.”
‘Next generation of leaders’
NJBIZ previously profiled Jen and his organization. Last year, they launched the Garden State Innovation Fund. That $25 million early-stage venture fund focuses on investing in and supporting New Jersey-based startups.
“We hope that founders were able to meet a lot of perspective investors (outside of us at 1435 Capital) and we will be following up individually with them in the coming weeks,” Jen told NJBIZ.
Just days after the summit, which 1435 played a critical role in organizing, the firm hosted an Open House for high school students – and their parents – interested in the company’s competitive and hands-on summer internship program. More than 70 people attended that event in Skillman.
“Yesterday we held our first Open House event for our upcoming Summer 2026 Internship for high school students interested in entrepreneurship, investing, and the world of venture capital,” 1435 Capital wrote on LinkedIn. The company noted it was a great afternoon filled with food, thoughtful conversations and a panel discussion with team members. “Both students and parents had the opportunity to hear firsthand about how early stage investing works, what it takes to build and fun startups, and how careers and finance and innovation can take shape.
“At 1435 Capital, we believe that fostering curiosity and connecting with the next generation of leaders is vital to building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem here in New Jersey. A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a lively and inspiring discussion.”
Upcoming events
The firm will hold a virtual open house this month, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18, along with an in-person gathering in February.
On Dec. 8, 2025, 1435 Capital was recognized for its efforts and growth as a 2025 NJBIZ Power Business List honoree. That distinction came on the heels of the firm ranking No. 173 on the NJBIZ list of Top 250 Privately Held Companies for 2025.
With that 2025 momentum carrying into the new year, 1435 Capital looks poised for an exciting 2026.
And with more major announcements, collaborations and events, the stage is also set for a big 2026 in New Jersey’s burgeoning innovation economy and startup space.
