WEST CHESTER, PA — The Ideas x Innovation Network’s (i2n) new regional investment group, i2n Angels, has completed its first investment, infusing an undisclosed amount of seed funding into locally-grown startup company Quix Labs, Inc. of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
“Our focus at i2n Angels to support the regional innovation ecosystem by investing in early-stage, tech-focused startups is exemplified in this, our first investment with Quix Labs,” said Dan Ostien, chair of i2n Angels. “The fact that our members see the opportunity to help Quix Labs continue to grow underscores our purpose, and the need for this type of early-stage funding that is helping to retain and grow businesses and talent across our southeastern Pennsylvania community.”
Launched in late 2025 by Chester County Economic Development Council’s i2n, members of i2n Angels invest as a group of individuals through Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) in early-stage companies with current or potential novel and innovative products, solutions or services. In addition to providing capital, members of i2n Angels offer their expertise, provide coaching and advice, and facilitate connections for entrepreneurs.
“As a company founded here in southeastern Pennsylvania and headquartered in West Chester, Quix Labs is proud to be developing a solution to help smokers and vapers reduce their reliance on nicotine. My team and I are honored to receive funding from i2n Angels,” said Zach Starr, Founder and CEO of Quix Labs, Inc. “We’ve been engaged with i2n for nearly five years and having the opportunity to present to their new angel investment group, and ultimately earn the confidence of their members, means a great deal to us. Their investment is a testament not only to the work we’re doing to advance smoking cessation, but also to the impact i2n continues to have in supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the innovation ecosystem across our region.”
As a member-driven angel investment organization, i2n Angels is focused on supporting early-stage tech-focused innovators in several sectors, including but not limited to: software, semiconductors, health tech, medical devices, biotech and life sciences, green tech, smart energy, and more.
“The work of i2n Angels is driven by experienced professionals and advisors, including Michael Harrington of Duane Morris, who leads the firm’s Life Sciences and Medical Technologies industry group,” said Matt Cabrey, managing director of i2n Angels. “Michael’s expertise helping early-stage entrepreneurs has allowed us to bring the vision for i2n Angels to life while providing accredited investors with quality investments and bolstering Pennsylvania’s innovation ecosystem.”
As Pennsylvania’s newest angel group, i2n Angels invites accredited investors to consider applying for membership, and also welcomes early-stage, tech-focused entrepreneurs to apply to present to the i2n Angels membership. Learn more here: https://i2nangels.ccedcpa.com/
About i2n Angels
Founded in 2025, i2n Angels is an initiative of Chester County Economic Development Council’s (CCEDC) Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), which helps entrepreneurs to transform their ideas from concept to commercialization. We are a member-driven angel investment organization intended to: a) support startup companies in the tech and innovation sectors that are located primarily but not exclusively in the southeastern Pennsylvania region by providing early stage funding, which we define as between $50,00 and $500,000; and b) provide investment opportunities for accredited investors who are seeking quality investment opportunities; who want to help early stage entrepreneurs; and who want to support the innovation ecosystem across southeastern Pennsylvania. https://i2nangels.ccedcpa.com/
About i2n
An initiative of CCEDC, i2n’s mission is focused: Make southeastern Pennsylvania the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow, and thrive. Driven by i2n Partners and Supporters consisting of corporate, academic, angel investors, civic leaders, successful serial entrepreneurs and others from across industries, i2n has cultivated and maintains a true network of experts, and we connect these resources with emerging innovators – i2n Entrepreneurs – who need help and guidance to advance their project, ultimately driving innovation across Pennsylvania and infusing a new economic vibrancy across our collective community by creating new jobs, and reinforcing Pennsylvania’s position as an epicenter of invention and innovation. Our i2n Partners and Supporters work with us to provide entrepreneurs with funding options, workspace solutions, coaching and advice, and the key connections they need to establish and grow their business. https://i2n.ccedcpa.com/
About Chester County Economic Development Council
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization that has been promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. CCEDC provides financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, fosters entrepreneurial collaboration, and leverages strategic partnerships to strengthen the business community and improve quality of life. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.
About Quix Labs, Inc.
Founded in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Quix Labs is a health innovation company focused on helping smokers and vapers reduce and eliminate nicotine through pharmacy-exclusive products and digital engagement platforms. Current products and services are available in the United Kingdom with plans to expand into targeted European markets. For more information, visit: https://www.quixlabs.co.uk/
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