Archive for March, 2010
PSVP got a whole lot more than we bargained for when we retained Linda Miller Krynski as our “Deal Flow Coordinator” for our first Spring Pitch event.
Linda, the star former director of the acclaimed PACE school has dug through the community and found a dozen top quality, innovative programs in early childhood education ages 0-3 who have been invited to submit proposals. She is also managing our partner lead selection committee and our group coaches to prepare the finalists for the Spring Pitch.
PSVP partner Jia Ji sends us some information on social ventures in which he’s involved:
As some of you might know, my latest startup was accepted for GoodCompany Ventures last summer (http://www.goodcompanyventures.org/companies/couchange/) and this year’s program will start accepting applications soon. If you know anyone working on a socially-beneficial startup, I would strongly recommend considering the program. As far as I know, it’s still the only y-combinator style incubator focused on social entrepreneurs.
GoodCompany Ventures is organizing a series of events about the “public service potential of private capital” in various cities over the next few months. I’m back the US for a few weeks, and had the chance to speak at their first event in New York City (http://gcvpanel.eventbrite.com/ ). Here’s a recap of my experience: http://www.goodcompanyventures.org/recap-of-nyc-launch/. Pictures are also up, but no video yet. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they were able to sellout the event, but that’s probably due to high-profile speakers such as Fred Wilson and Jacqueline Novogratz. Given the success of similar events in Pittsburgh like “Solutions for Society”, I think there’s potential in bringing a GCV event to the city, so if there’s interest in hosting such an event, please let me know.
Finally, since people have sent me questions about social ventures in China, I’d like to point out Chengdu MeiHuan Tech (http://www.huania.com <http://www.huania.com/> ) as a good example of a Chinese social venture. Founded just after the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake, they provide low cost earthquake alarms to schools and are developing earthquake prediction technology that can be utilized worldwide. Unfortunately, since VCs are relatively rare in central China (as compared to coastal cities) and social VCs basically non-existent, examples like MeiHuan Tech are actually pretty rare. Which is why I’ve been exploring the feasibility of running y-combinator and GoodCompany style incubator programs in various cities throughout China. If you’re interested in more specific details rather than this brief overview, I’ll be presenting my findings as I travel throughout the northeastern US over the next few weeks, so just send me an email about it.
Finally, I’m in Pittsburgh now and will be giving a public talk tomorrow about “Charity Fundraising in Social Games.” Just posted about it (along with brief summaries of my previous talks) at http://edeify.com/2010/03/24/2009-reviewed/.
Two oldies but real goodies rejoined PSVP as partners – Former PSVP Chairs and founding members of the emeritus program, Marion Lewis and Jeanette Thomas! Marion and Jeanette have been fantastic partners in the past and we are lucky to have them back.
Expect a few more oldies but goodies and a few newbie’s to join soon.
You either know her from her regular appearances on CNBC or from her days as a partner with PSVP – Carrie Coghill, President of DB Root Financial Advisors has generously agreed to partner with PSVP and Sponsor our April 28th Spring Pitch Event. DB Root’s reputation in the community and willingness to partner with PSVP speaks volumes and helps us reach a critical milestone in our new model.
Thank you Carrie and DB Root.
2010 “Spring Pitch” Designed to Support Nonprofits that Impact the At-Risk 0 – 3 Age Group
The Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners (PSVP) is pleased to announce the start of a revised grant process for 2010. Complete information about PSVP’s “Spring Pitch” can be found at http://psvp.org/blog/events/spring-pitch-event, including a detailed announcement, a graphic that explains the award process, frequently asked questions, and an application form that can be completed and submitted online.
Inquires are invited at info@psvp.org.
If you are an agency in Allegheny County in need of technical and funding support, then this opportunity will be of interest to you!
Tessa Nicholson, Interim Executive Director
John Denny, Chair, Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners
Save APRIL 28, 2010, 6-8:30pm for the PSVP SPRING PITCH event.
The event will take place at the Harvard Yale Princeton Club. A more formal invitation will follow in early April which I hope you will share with everyone you know!
Our Program Officer, Linda Krynski, has been working hard at fine-tuning our new application process, and the Request for Proposal announcement is set to go out this Friday. The Selection Committee has been set (there is always room for more – please shoot me an e-mail if you are interested in participating) and coaches for our non-profit finalists are being recruited.
A lot is happening – all good!