# RoseAnn Rosenthal

> RoseAnn B. Rosenthal is a Philadelphia investor and economic development executive who led Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania from 1996 to 2021. Now CEO Emeritus and Director Emeritus, she also serves as Managing Director of First Fund at The Innovation Space and co-founder and Chair Emeritus of Broad Street Angels. Her work spans regional lending, early-stage capital, public-private partnerships, and support for women-led enterprises.

- **Role:** CEO Emeritus and Director Emeritus at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania; Managing Director, First Fund at The Innovation Space
- **Organizations:** Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, The Innovation Space, Broad Street Angels, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (former), JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women, PlainSight Capital, Econsult Solutions, Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technology (PACT)
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts, Temple University, Honorary doctorate in Humane Letters, Philadelphia University
- **Known for:** Led Ben Franklin for 25 years., Expanded regional investment through public-private and university partnerships., Helped structure the JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women.

## Career timeline

- **1982** — Launched the PIDC Penn Venture Fund for technology-based enterprises.
- **1996** — Became President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
- **2000** — Ben Franklin partnered with Penn and Drexel to create the Nanotechnology Institute under her leadership.
- **2007** — Partnered to develop the Building 100 Innovation Center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
- **2013** — Worked with statewide partners and PACT on passage of Innovate in PA; received the Iris Newman Award.
- **2016–2017** — Co-founded Broad Street Angels; accounts differ between its formation in 2016 and inception in 2017.
- **2018** — Received the NVCA American Spirit Award.
- **2019** — Received the Pennsylvania Society Distinguished Citizen of the Commonwealth Award.
- **2021** — Transitioned to CEO Emeritus on January 11; Scott Nissenbaum succeeded her as President and CEO.
- **2022** — Began as Managing Director of First Fund in January and became Broad Street Angels Chair Emeritus in July.

## Achievements

- Led Ben Franklin for 25 years.
- Expanded regional investment through public-private and university partnerships.
- Helped structure the JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women.
- Co-founded Broad Street Angels.
- Received the 2013 Iris Newman Award, 2018 NVCA American Spirit Award, and 2019 Pennsylvania Society Distinguished Citizen award.

## Latest updates

- **2022-07** — Became Chair Emeritus of Broad Street Angels following the July 1 leadership transition.
- **2026-10** — Current public listings checked in October 2026 identify her as Managing Director of First Fund and Broad Street Angels Chair Emeritus; this is a verification date, not an announcement date.

## Links

- Website: https://benfranklin.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseann-b-rosenthal-93b7b321

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/roseann-rosenthal
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-09