#United States #New Haven #Halda Therapeutics #Connecticut Innovations #Matt Storeygard

Connecticut Innovations' Remarkable Q2 FY26

In a significant move for the state's economic development, Connecticut Innovations (CI) has announced its investment of approximately $16.2 million in 23 innovative companies and venture funds during the second quarter of its fiscal year, which concluded on December 31, 2025. This investment is noteworthy not only for the amount but also because it has successfully leveraged an impressive $253.2 million in outside capital, yielding a remarkable $41 million in proceeds during this quarter alone.

Strategic Investments Across Industries

CI's targeted investments in this quarter have reached various sectors, including healthcare which received around $5.6 million, technology with $4.8 million, and climate technology garnering $3 million. The remaining investment amount focused on venture funds and consumer enterprises. This diversified investment strategy underscores CI’s commitment to supporting a wide range of industries, fueling innovations that are crucial for economic growth in Connecticut.

Matt Storeygard, the Senior Managing Director of Investments at CI, highlighted the importance of these investments. He stated, "Generating $41 million in proceeds this quarter—including returns from Halda Therapeutics' $3.05 billion acquisition by Johnson & Johnson—underscores the power of long-term investment in scalable innovation and the strength of Connecticut's bioscience ecosystem." This achievement not only signifies CI's capacity to identify high-growth potential companies but also demonstrates the effectiveness of its strategic investment model.

Reinforcing Connecticut's Talent Pipeline

In line with its investment strategy, CI is simultaneously focusing on enhancing the state's talent pool. Bo Bradstreet, the Talent Acquisition Director, announced preparations forCI's second annual Talent Fair. This event aims to connect over 30 participating companies with top talent from Connecticut's esteemed colleges and universities. Bradstreet emphasized, "As always, capital is only part of the equation." The recruitment initiative is essential for ensuring that investee companies fill critical roles that will support their growth ambitions.

This fair not only facilitates direct engagement between emerging talent and innovative companies but also strengthens Connecticut's position in fostering a robust workforce to sustain ongoing economic development.

A Look Ahead

As of now, throughout the fiscal year 2026, CI has invested a total of $27.5 million and successfully leveraged $340.1 million. These figures reflect CI's robust strategy of channeling financial support into early-stage ventures, ultimately driving forward the state's entrepreneurial landscape.

The investment and initiatives carried out by Connecticut Innovations serve as a model for how strategic capital allocation can create a ripple effect of economic growth. By actively reinvesting returns into the local ecosystem, they are not only nurturing current innovations but are also paving the way for future disruptors and industry leaders.

To find out more about the CI Talent Fair and other initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website at Connecticut Innovations.

Furthermore, as CI continues to identify and support the next generation of founders, this journey illustrates the commitment to building a sustainable future that prioritizes innovation, talent, and economic resilience in the state of Connecticut.