Today, I am excited to announce that Startup Colorado launched the Startup Colorado Community Fund.
Since we launched Startup Colorado in November 2011, we have talked about how busy entrepreneurs - often do not plan or create events - because it takes A LOT of time to put together the pieces. We hope this removes one of them, cash.
This community fund is focused on making grants “aka. Gifts” to entrepreneurs leading our startup communities in Colorado – to concept, program and build activities within our ecosystem. Think of it as money to remove the idea, "where can we get $1000 to host this awesome event for the community."
The fund is a startup too – we have no idea the span of ideas the community has in Colorado – but our hope is that we can work with leading entrepreneurs to define how the fund and grant dollars are best invested in our startup communities – to impact change.
This is the first fund of its kind – where entrepreneurs are investing in giving back to invest in the startup community of tomorrow. To some, it may mean mentor hours, pitchfests, coffee clubs, speaker series or growing our existing programs in our cities and university communities.
To others, this could be a supply of pizza and beer to bring people together to discuss how we can work together to be more innovative, build more startups and put the Colorado startup community on the map.
Either way, it means more time talking about the future and how we can build it together.
Take a look and let us know what you think. Spread the word to those who can apply. This is about leaders, helping leaders. And empowering entrepreneurs to impact change, easier.
Most importantly, this is a testament to the kind of entrepreneurs we have in Colorado. Those who help one another succeed. Those who give back when they win. A HUGE THANK YOU to the Founding contributors to capitalize the fund.
Brad Feld, Foundry Ventures
Jim Franklin, SendGrid
Ryan Martens, Rally Software
Nancy Phillips, Viawest
Steve Halstedt, Centennial Ventures
Libby Cook, Founder, Sunflower Markets
Jim Deters, Galvanize
Bart Lorang, FullContact
Bob Ogdon, SwiftPage
Dan Caruso, Zayo Group
Next time you see them, please give them a "high-five", a hug or a gigantic Thank You -- for making this idea possible -- and believing in the Colorado startup community.
If you are interested in participating in the Colorado Startup Community Fund, either as a financial contributor, or as a grant recipient, feel free to contact me.
Let the awesomeness begin!