Community Development Venture Capital Alliance

The Community Development Venture Capital Alliance (CDVCA) is a prominent network dedicated to advancing the field of community development venture capital (CDVC) investing. Established in 1993 and based in New York, CDVCA focuses on providing equity capital to businesses located in underinvested markets, aiming to generate market-rate financial returns while fostering job creation, wealth generation, and entrepreneurial growth. The organization plays a vital role in promoting CDVC by offering advocacy, education, and best-practice sharing through conferences and workshops. Additionally, CDVCA extends its expertise to CDVC funds by providing consulting services and technical assistance, further enhancing the impact of community-driven investments.

Alan Bernstein JD

Managing Director and Board Member

Christopher Reim

Managing Director

Kerwin Tesdell JD

President of the Board

Ernesto Villarini-Baquero

Vice President and Managing Director

4 past transactions

Gravity Diagnostics

Venture Round in 2025
Gravity Diagnostics is a full-service laboratory licensed across all 50 states, specializing in innovative testing services in areas such as COVID-19, upper respiratory illnesses, toxicology, pharmacogenomics, and sexually transmitted infections. The company aims to support physicians and patients by providing accurate and timely diagnostic services, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions about drug prescriptions and dosages. Gravity Diagnostics emphasizes integrity, regulatory compliance, and clinical expertise in its operations, positioning itself as a trusted partner in the healthcare community.

OpConnect

Venture Round in 2024
OpConnect, LLC is a technology company based in Portland, Oregon, focused on developing and supporting electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. Founded in 2005, the company offers a comprehensive electric vehicle charging solution that includes charging stations, a wireless communications network, and a cloud-based software platform. This platform facilitates payment processing, energy management, reservation systems, and maintenance tracking for charging stations. OpConnect not only sells and operates EV charging stations under contracts with station owners but also licenses its software to fueling solution providers globally, enabling them to establish their own charging networks. By providing turnkey EV fueling solutions, OpConnect aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of transportation, while also enhancing the efficiency and profitability of charging station operations.

Ocean Aero

Series C in 2021
Ocean Aero, Inc. is a San Diego-based company that specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing unmanned autonomous underwater vehicles. It provides innovative solutions for various sectors, including military, scientific, commercial, and security markets. Ocean Aero's products consist of both unmanned underwater and surface vessels, which are powered by wind and solar energy. Their technology enables persistent operations in diverse environments, making these vessels suitable for applications such as critical asset monitoring, oceanographic research, mine countermeasures, and coastal law enforcement. The company employs a System-as-a-Service model that incorporates planning, outfitting, monitoring, and data acquisition to meet the evolving needs of its clients. Established in 2013, Ocean Aero is committed to advancing its technology through a strategic intellectual property approach, aiming to adapt and expand its offerings to support a range of maritime missions.

Natural Fiber Welding

Venture Round in 2021
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacture and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from natural fibers. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials from plants, which are applicable across various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale environmentally friendly products, thereby promoting sustainability in material usage.
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