Connect in the Press

February 25, 2021

Opinion: San Diego can build a better version of Silicon Valley. For real. Here’s how.

Krenn is CEO of Connect, a local nonprofit that helps early-stage tech and life science companies raise venture capital. He lives in Ocean Beach.
Can San Diego become a better version of Silicon Valley?
Please note: I wrote “better,” not “bigger.”

Mike Krenn  |  San Diego Union Tribune

February 17, 2021

Connect Recruits Startups for Next ‘Cool Companies’ Cohort

Connect w/ San Diego Venture Group has opened applications for its next cohort of Cool Companies. Cool Companies is an annual capital program designed to match San Diego’s top-performing technology and life sciences startups ready to raise Series A investment with quality venture capital.

Fred Grier  |  San Diego Business Journal

January 26, 2021

A Tale of Two Local Economies

San Diego’s economy is on the cusp of a massive shift: Tech companies are thriving while the hospitality sector remains in a deep depression because of the pandemic.

Ramin Skibba  |  Voice of San Diego

January 19, 2021

San Diego startups end 2020 on a high note, raising a record $6.1B in venture capital

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms led the way, but software and other tech-based startups also did well

Mike Freeman  |  San Diego Union Tribune

October 16, 2020

San Diego startups rake in $933M in venture capital despite pandemic

The region’s life science sector continues to thrive, but young tech and consumer products entrepreneurs have a tougher time luring investors

Mike Freeman  |  San Diego Union Tribune

April 25, 2019

Major startup merger: Connect fuses with San Diego Venture Group, puts Mike Krenn at the helm

Two of San Diego’s oldest startup groups — Connect and the San Diego Venture Group — are merging into one entity, creating what could be a powerhouse of influence with more money, more connections, and ultimately more support for the startup scene.

Brittany Meiling  |  San Diego Union Tribune