Connect Highlights Capital Growth and Innovation Momentum in 2025 Impact Report
SAN DIEGO – February 23, 2026 – Connect, San Diego’s original startup accelerator and a leading catalyst for innovation, today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of strong capital formation, ecosystem engagement, and continued growth for the region’s innovation economy. The report places Connect’s impact within the broader regional context: in 2025, San Diego companies raised $3.6 […]
Connect Cool Companies Surpass $1 Billion in Series A Funding Since 2015
SAN DIEGO – Jan. 14, 2026 – Companies selected through Connect Cool Companies have collectively raised more than $1 billion in Series A funding since 2015, marking a significant milestone for one of San Diego’s most established capital access programs for venture-ready startups. Cool Companies is an annual program designed to support high-tech and life sciences companies preparing to raise […]
Connect Promotes Dr. Petra Stegmann as Head of Entrepreneurial Programs
SAN DIEGO, December 17, 2025 – Connect, the nonprofit organization that has served as a trusted partner to San Diego’s innovation community for 40 years, today announced the promotion of Dr. Petra Stegmann as Head of Entrepreneurial Programs. Dr. Stegmann has been with Connect since 2011, serving in a range of roles that have supported founders across […]
Connect Strengthens Leadership Team with Promotion of Cait Kelly to Chief Strategy Officer
SAN DIEGO, December 1, 2025 — Connect, the premier nonprofit organization in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and cultivating thriving life science and technology communities, announced today that Cait Kelly has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer and will join the executive leadership team as the organization advances its ongoing growth and […]
Connect Expands Access to Funding Through Curated Venture List
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 20, 2025 — Connect, a premier nonprofit organization in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and cultivating thriving life science and technology communities, is kicking off IDEA Week by bringing added attention to one of the region’s most valuable resources: a curated directory of venture capital and funding firms active in Southern […]
Connect Appoints Tre Braquet as Chief Brand & Engagement Officer
SAN DIEGO, October 13, 2025 — Connect, a premier nonprofit organization in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and cultivating thriving life science and technology communities, announced today that Tre Braquet has been named Chief Brand & Engagement Officer. In this role, Braquet will oversee Connect’s brand strategy, communications, and community engagement initiatives. […]
Connect Names Gretel von Son as Chief Operating Officer to Drive Growth in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
SAN DIEGO, September 22, 2025 — Connect, the premier nonprofit organization in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and cultivating thriving life science and technology communities, announced today the appointment of Gretel von Son as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she will oversee operations and strategy, with a focus on scaling impact, […]
Connect Appoints James Zanewicz as Chief Executive Officer to Shape the Next Chapter of Innovation Growth
SAN DIEGO, August 4, 2025 — Connect, the premier nonprofit organization in the San Diego innovation ecosystem established 40 years ago to cultivate life science and tech innovation communities, today announced the appointment of James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, as Chief Executive Officer. “As we considered candidates to lead Connect into its next chapter, James […]
Connect Prepares for New Era of Leadership and Growth
Rick Valencia, Seasoned Entrepreneur and Connect Board Vice Chair, Steps into Interim-CEO position SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2025 — Connect, the premier non-profit organization in the San Diego innovation ecosystem established 40 years ago to cultivate life science and tech innovation communities, today announced Mike Krenn, Chief Executive Officer, and Christie Marcella, Chief Operating Officer, have accepted leadership roles at […]
Cooler Heads Launches Accounts in 22 States, Including Sharp HealthCare in San Diego
Former Springboard and Cool Company, Cooler Heads, is on a mission to empower cancer patients by addressing the side effects of treatment with evidence-based products, content, and services. Their flagship product, Amma™, is the first FDA-cleared portable scalp cooling system designed to allow chemotherapy patients to keep their hair. By making scalp cooling accessible and […]
