1435 Capital Management has hired Curtis Lee as a senior partner, marking the firm’s latest strategic move as it builds on strong momentum entering 2026.

Lee brings decades of experience across investment management, hedge funds and public-sector economic development.

Most recently, he served in a senior role at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, where he helped drive initiatives supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and capital formation statewide. Earlier in his career, Lee founded and co-founded multiple hedge fund firms, developing expertise in portfolio management; investment and operational due diligence; and capital raising across both liquid and illiquid strategies.

At 1435 Capital, Lee will focus on the continued development and management of the $25 million Garden State Innovation Fund, strengthening fund management operations and expanding engagement across New Jersey’s startup ecosystem.

His public- and private-sector background aligns with the firm’s goal of increasing access to early-stage capital while fostering collaboration among founders, investors and public agencies.

“Curtis’s track record of leadership and focused investment strategies, combined with his commitment to advancing New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem, aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Ben Jen, managing partner at 1435 Capital Management, who was one of NJBIZ’s 2025 People to Watch in Finance. “His unique perspective from both the public and private sectors will help us further accelerate the discovery and development of the region’s most promising startups.”

Starting strong

The hire builds on a year of significant growth for 1435 Capital.

In 2025, the Skillman-based firm launched the Garden State Innovation Fund to support New Jersey-based startups, as NJBIZ reported, and brought on accomplished leaders as advisors, including Lawrence Krampf, Mike Reagan and L. Marc Shegoski. The firm has also played a central role in convening founders and investors through major ecosystem events, such as a recent AI Hackathon and NJx Venture Summit; and expanded its talent pipeline through a prestigious, hands-on internship programming for high school students.

That momentum was recognized with inclusion on the 2025 NJBIZ Power Business List. The firm also ranked No. 173 on NJBIZ’s 2025 Top 250 Privately Held Companies list.

With Lee joining the leadership team, 1435 Capital signals its intent to further scale its investment platform and influence in New Jersey’s fast-growing innovation and startup economy in 2026.

The firm says it remains dedicated to empowering founders, investors and innovators across the Garden State by fostering access to capital, guidance, and resources that strengthen the startup and technology communities.