
Emerald Development Managers
Financial History
Leadership Team
Key people at Emerald Development Managers.

Key people at Emerald Development Managers.
Emerald Development Managers is a New York-based early-stage venture capital firm specializing in partnering with visionary entrepreneurs to identify emerging market trends and develop innovative solutions. Their mission centers on fostering sustainable growth by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational expertise tailored to each startup’s unique needs. The firm focuses on sectors including life sciences, enterprise software, cybersecurity, industrial technology, fintech, AI, blockchain, and sustainability. By leveraging deep industry knowledge and a collaborative approach, Emerald supports startups in navigating challenges and achieving long-term profitability, thereby positively impacting the startup ecosystem through hands-on involvement and a commitment to building scalable, successful businesses[1][2][3].
Founded in 1994 by Neil Cohen and Charles Collins, Emerald Development Managers evolved from their early experience founding and growing American Rock Salt Company LLC, the largest salt mine in the U.S., which returned over a billion dollars to investors. Their background in founding, operating, and investing in companies laid the foundation for Emerald’s patient, hands-on investment philosophy. The firm’s focus has expanded over time from industrial ventures to a broad portfolio of over 20 companies in technology-driven sectors such as life sciences, cybersecurity, and sustainability. The founders’ extensive experience in investment banking, corporate management, and entrepreneurship informs their strategic and operational support for portfolio companies[2][4].
Emerald Development Managers rides the wave of accelerating innovation in deep tech and sustainability, sectors critical to addressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and cybersecurity threats. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for advanced technologies and sustainable solutions, alongside growing investor interest in impact-driven ventures. Emerald’s influence extends beyond capital provision; by nurturing early-stage companies with operational expertise and strategic networks, they help shape emerging markets and drive technological progress. Their focus on scientific and engineering-driven startups positions them as key enablers in the transition toward a more sustainable and secure technological future[2][3][4].
Looking ahead, Emerald Development Managers is poised to deepen its impact by continuing to back frontier technologies in life sciences, clean tech, and cybersecurity, sectors expected to experience robust growth. Trends such as AI integration, decarbonization, and digital security will likely shape their investment focus. Their operator-investor model and extensive network will remain critical assets in helping portfolio companies scale amid evolving market conditions. As global challenges intensify, Emerald’s role as a strategic partner to innovative startups will likely grow, reinforcing their position as a catalyst for sustainable technological advancement and long-term value creation[1][2][4].
Key people at Emerald Development Managers.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2025 | Ultimarii | $2.0M Seed | — | Staircase Ventures |
| May 1, 2025 | Una Software | $4.0M Seed | — | Maple VC, Staircase Ventures, Marc McCabe |
| Jul 1, 2023 | ETCH | $8.0M Seed | — | Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, SoGal Ventures |
| May 1, 2022 | Torigen Pharmaceuticals | $13.0M Series A | — | — |
| Jun 1, 2021 | Babson Diagnostics | $31.0M Series B | — | — |