newlab Ventures

Newlab is a venture platform dedicated to unblocking the commercialization pathways for critical technology startups. The firm focuses on technologies that are strategically significant for a region's economic resilience, security, and competitiveness, particularly those impacting foundational industries, infrastructure, and supply chains. Newlab achieves this by providing essential infrastructure, facilitating commercialization projects with industry and government partners, and aligning startups with a network of venture and non-dilutive capital. Their approach is designed to accelerate the growth and market entry of venture-scalable startups in geographies prioritizing reindustrialization.

Newlab's story began in 2016 when it opened as a multidisciplinary technology center in Building 128 of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a historic site of American industrial might. The concept was formed in 2011 by David Belt and Scott Cohen, who aimed to create a platform for emerging hardware technologies, addressing the lack of space, tools, and resources for hardware innovators in New York City. Since then, Newlab has expanded its global footprint, establishing innovation hubs in Detroit, New Orleans, Montevideo, and Riyadh, each tailored to regional industrial priorities such as mobility, energy, and critical minerals.

The firm supports a diverse portfolio of startups across various critical technology sectors. Notable companies that have been part of the Newlab ecosystem include Seeqc, which focuses on quantum computing applications; Safe AI, developing cloud and AI-enabled autonomous solutions; and Verne, a developer of hydrogen storage and delivery solutions. Other portfolio companies span areas like hydrogen-alternative propulsion systems (Launcher), drone technology for logistics (Aerialoop), carbon-free energy solutions (Amogy), and advanced automation for marine shipping (Mythos AI).

Newlab's team comprises experienced founders, scientists, engineers, investors, and operators who leverage their diverse backgrounds to support critical technology founders. Key leadership includes David Belt, Co-founder and Chairman; Liz Keen, Chief Strategy Officer; Garrett Winther, Chief Product Officer; and Dan Connell, SVP Operations & Finance. The team's expertise spans policy, strategy, venture building, ecosystem development, and commercialization, enabling Newlab to provide comprehensive support to its member companies.