FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2025
Contact:
RIHub
info@rihub.org
www.RIHub.org
RIHub Expands to Greater Newport, Launches Strategic Innovation Partnership with Innovate Newport and Rogue Venture Partners
Providence, RI — RIHub, Rhode Island’s Innovation Hub, announced today a strategic collaboration with Innovate Newport and Rogue Venture Partners to expand innovation programming and investment support to the Greater Newport region. This landmark partnership strengthens Rhode Island’s statewide startup ecosystem by bringing RIHub’s proven incubation model directly to the region’s entrepreneurs.
The collaboration, effective August 1, 2025, is formalized through a tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and creates a new Incubator for high growth startup businesses called The Launch@Innovate Newport. A press event will be held on Thursday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Innovate Newport (513 Broadway, Newport, RI) to celebrate the launch and share more about the vision behind this transformative partnership.
There will be an official launch party for the incubator —an evening of celebration, connection, and community on August 14, 2025. All are invited to attend. The Incubator will kick off a bold new chapter for innovation in Newport.
As part of the agreement:
- RIHub will establish a permanent presence at Innovate Newport, offering its full suite of entrepreneurial support services, mentoring, and programming to founders based in the region. RIHub will operate the Launch Incubator at Innovate Newport.
- Rogue Venture Partners, a leading venture firm with a focus on emerging markets, will work alongside RIHub to identify, fund, and mentor high-potential startups.
- The Greater Newport Chamber and Innovate Newport will support this new chapter of innovation by co-hosting events and programs with the partners, support new Launch @ Innovate Newport members in the facility, make referrals into the incubator classes, and promote these programs to the broader business community in the Region.
- Together, the partners will provide a shared workspace, host joint events, and foster deeper community engagement around innovation.
“RIHub is thrilled to open a dedicated incubator for entrepreneurs in Newport,” said Pete Rumsey, Chief Business Development Officer URI Research Foundation and Chairman of RIHub. “Because it’s nearby, this new space will benefit our university students from URI and other educational institutions across Rhode Island. We will give them direct access to the programs, mentorship, and funding they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses.”
“This partnership marks a significant step in advancing our vision for a vibrant innovation-driven economy in Greater Newport,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. “By joining forces, we’re creating a unified hub where local entrepreneurs can access funding, expert guidance, and statewide support—all in one place.”
“At Rogue Venture Partners, we’ve always seen the value in nurturing innovation ecosystems in emerging markets,” said Tom Sperry, Founder of Rogue Venture Partners. “This partnership allows us to become an integral part of Newport’s entrepreneurial landscape and reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting its growth and potential.”
Under the MOU, RIHub will manage coworking access for Rogue-funded founders and others. RIHub will integrate them into a robust incubation pathway to help them with their business model and ultimately their pitch. Programs will include customer discovery, financial planning, pitch development, and investor readiness. The initiative will help unlock new economic opportunities for Greater Newport and extend Rhode Island’s innovation footprint.
About RIHub
RIHub is Rhode Island’s Innovation Hub, supporting high-growth startups and powering the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. RIHub provides structured mentoring, education, and access to capital for startups at every stage—from idea to investment. Since its founding, RIHub has supported over 200 startups and delivered thousands of hours of mentoring and programming to founders throughout the region.
About the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is one of Rhode Island’s largest business advocacy organizations, with nearly 1,000 members representing over 50,000 employees. Its mission is to connect, innovate, enhance, and advocate for the businesses of the Greater Newport region.
About Rogue Venture Partners
Rogue Venture Partners is a Portland, Oregon-based venture capital firm investing in underrepresented innovation markets. Rogue is dedicated to building strong ecosystems by backing exceptional entrepreneurs in places where capital and mentorship are needed most.