We discussed a number of things including: 

1. How the entrepreneurial community is faring 

2. Investment outlook in the short and medium term 

3. Advice for entrepreneurs in these unprecedented and challenging times 

Joanne is a Principal at Newark Venture Partners, an early-stage venture fund that invests in Pre-seed to Series A stage B2B technology companies. A core mission of the fund is to establish Newark as an emerging tech hub. As Principal, Joanne leads the fund’s direct investment strategy focusing on the sourcing and diligence of potential deals and on-going portfolio management. 

She is also co-founder of a Newark-based social enterprise, called Locus Labs, aimed at expanding community access to digital manufacturing technology. Joanne was previously an investment banking Associate at JPMorgan, and a TeachForAmerica corps member in NYC. Joanne has a M. Ed from Hunter College and a BA in Economics from Barnard. 

____ 

Rudy has served as a senior executive, entrepreneur, educator and investor. He is the founder and CEO of the consulting firm, Valmar & Associates, LLC which provides management advisory services in sustainability, business development and strategy. He has over 30 years of experience in diverse management and consulting roles with large global firms (IBM, Ernst &Young, and Accenture) as well as guiding multiple entrepreneurial start-ups. 

Rudy retired as a partner with the global professional services firm, Accenture. His consulting clients have included major corporations in the Communications and Hi-Tech Industry. More recently, Rudy has developed entrepreneurial opportunities in Brazil. Rudy has also advised multiple emerging companies and non-profits on informal boards and foundations.