Connect names Marshall Fritz as Director of Tech and Defense to drive innovation and capital pathways
San Diego, CA — April 13th — Connect, a nonprofit organization supporting San Diego’s innovation ecosystem for more than 40 years, announced the appointment of Marshall Fritz as director of tech and defense. “Marshall brings a strong combination of technical expertise, venture experience and relationship building that is critical to the future of San Diego’s […]
Connect celebrates Cait Kelly and Kylie Hovey as they advance to next chapters
SAN DIEGO – April 9, 2026 – Connect, a nonprofit organization supporting San Diego’s innovation ecosystem, announced the departure of team members Cait Kelly and Kylie Hovey, recognizing their contributions to the organization and the region’s growing community of founders, innovators and industry leaders. “At Connect, we’re not just building companies. We are also a […]
Connect Names Kiana Miyamoto as Director of Life Sciences to Accelerate Founders and Ecosystem
SAN DIEGO – March 31, 2026 – Connect, the premier nonprofit organization powering San Diego’s innovation ecosystem for more than 40 years, announces the appointment of Kiana Miyamoto, MPH, PhD, as Director of Life Sciences. “Kiana represents the next generation of life sciences innovation leadership,” said James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect. “She understands not only […]
Connect Convenes Regional Leaders to Amplify San Diego’s Innovation Momentum
SAN DIEGO – Mar. 24, 2026 – At its recent board meeting, Connect convened leaders from across technology, life sciences, and capital to examine where San Diego’s innovation economy is accelerating and where it risks friction. The conversation revealed a defining reality: San Diego is entering a moment of expansion, fueled by a deeply collaborative, […]
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. […]
