David Rockwell, founder and president of New York-based Rockwell Group, and Vin Cipolla, an entrepreneur and civic leader, have partnered to form a new venture company named RGV. The company aims to create, incubate, invest, or co-invest in a range of design-driven enterprises in media, entertainment, and hospitality. Cipolla serves as the president of the new company, and Rockwell will continue as president of Rockwell Group.
“Vin Cipolla and I have been on parallel paths for many years, and I’m thrilled we’ll be working as a team to build RGV,” says Rockwell. “Our vision for RGV is to leverage our extensive design leadership experience to build a portfolio of businesses showcasing how innovation and the power of design can make the world a better and more inspiring place.”
The venture group launches with four initiatives already underway or in development-including NeueHouse, a new concept in shared workspaces for entrepreneurs in creative industries; Imagination Playground, makers of active, creative play architecture for playgrounds; a joint venture with RadicalMedia for digital experiences that will travel globally; and the new Broadway-bound production Houdini with Scott Sanders Productions.
“David and I have known each other for many years, and I have long been a huge admirer of the breadth, diversity, and excellence of his work,” says Cipolla, who will continue to serve as board president of the Municipal Art Society. “Working with David in building RGV ties together my background and interests-in media technology, design, and fostering exciting and livable environments.”
