City of Greeley Partners with Rockies Venture Club

Partnership to elevate local business and investment opportunities in Greeley, Colorado

GREELEY, Colo. - A collaboration between the City of Greeley and the Rockies Venture Club (RVC) will help grow Greeley's entrepreneurial ecosystem by finding, engaging with and supporting local angel investors. This partnership will help grow Greeley's high-growth technology companies that need seed-stage investment. It will also help position Greeley as an emerging center for entrepreneurial activity. RVC is known for supporting innovative companies, connecting investors and providing educational programs for entrepreneurs.

This partnership provides Greeley with unique opportunities to learn and network within the business community, broadening its economic ecosystem. It gives Greeley special access to investors and introduces high-level expertise to the city's growing entrepreneurial environment. With support from RVC, Greeley can tackle specific industry challenges and create new solutions to improve our city's business activities.

John Hall, Director of Economic Development, said: "We are excited to begin this journey, confident in its potential to drive prosperity and innovation in Greeley for the foreseeable future. As a member of the Angel Capital Association, Rockies Venture Club provides us with a wealth of resources that strengthen our business community. This partnership will enhance our capabilities to educate and connect within the local business sector, drawing essential investments. These collaborative initiatives will greatly benefit key institutions like Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado."

Mayor John Gates emphasized the strategic foresight behind forming this partnership: "It takes vision to forge these partnerships. By focusing on the long-term growth of our city and aligning our resources to enhance our business ecosystem and the city's overall image, we create a fertile ground for development. The interconnected nature of our industries is a strength that Rockies Venture Club can amplify, helping Greeley support our businesses in making connections and fostering a thriving economy."

This alliance aims not only for growth but to build a strong business network that attracts leading employers and develops a dynamic workforce. By adding this new partnership to the city's existing resources, including the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Greeley can enhance opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs in the local market, fostering expansion and innovation.

Raymond C. Lee III, Greeley's city manager, emphasizes the significance of this partnership: "Companies invest in communities that meet their needs, and Greeley aims to do that. The partnership with Rockies Venture Club is crucial for connecting these companies to the abundant resources Greeley offers. This partnership is a testament to Greeley's commitment to itself, focusing on a long-term vision that supports our key industries and builds a sustainable economic framework."

Rockies Venture Club looks forward to working with the community through this partnership. Peter Adams, Executive Chairman, stated: "This is an exciting opportunity for Greeley to become a vibrant Startup Community. What that means is that high paying jobs in innovative tech companies are being created in Greeley by educating and coaching founders with the HyperAccelerator program and by engaging local investors with the Angel Academy, a unique program designed to mobilize local capital to invest in Greeley companies. These programs, along with the new Rockies Greeley Fund, a venture capital fund that will invest in existing companies in Greeley and will also attract the best talent and startups from across the region."

Greeley is poised to shape the future alongside the Rockies Venture Club, with the goal of cultivating a robust and exceptional economic environment for the city. Serving as an ideal location for both established companies and startups, Greeley possesses essential assets such as land, water, and other resources, solidifying its position as a dynamic leader in regional development.

The partnership between RVC and Greeley's Department of Economic Development, enabled through American Rescue Plan Act funds, aims to develop an Angel Investment Ecosystem. Leveraging RVC's extensive experience in fostering capital mobilization within Colorado, and Greeley's commitment to connecting businesses with essential resources, this collaboration underscores the importance of engaging with the Economic Development Department for companies seeking growth and support opportunities. For more information, reach out via [email protected].

Rockies Venture Club

Rockies Venture Club is the longest-running Angel Group in the United States. Founded in 1985, its mission is to advance economic development by actively educating and connecting the most promising entrepreneurial companies with Angel investors, venture capitalists, and other community members. Every year Rockies Venture Club offers over 100 educational programs, Angel forums, and conferences for both investors and entrepreneurs. RVC invests in 20+ companies on an annual basis to accelerate economic growth.

City of Greeley Economic Development

Greeley, Colorado, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and is emerging as a vital hub in healthcare, agriculture, business innovation and education. Located near the majestic Rocky Mountains, Greeley combines small-town charm with big-city opportunities. The city's Economic Development team collaborates with strategic partners to attract businesses and investments, supporting projects that align with Greeley's vision for a vibrant, sustainable future.

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