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// ACTIVATION CAPITAL

SUPERCHARGING INNOVATION IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA

// Virginia Bio-Tech Park Membership

Empowering Biotechnology Companies

We accelerate innovation in life sciences and technology. Learn about our shared lab space, dedicated labs, private office, events, resources, mentors, and virtual membership.

Flexible Lab Space

Supplier/Vendor Discounts

Events & Expert Community

Our Members Include

// Central Virginia Ecosystem Leader

Building the Innovation Ecosystem

Activation Capital supports local and regional efforts to grow a high-growth entrepreneurship community.

Commitment to an inclusive innovation community.

Our community is stronger when everyone is welcome at the table.

// Activation Capital Programs

Catalyzing Future Leaders and Industries in Virginia

Pharmaceutical Cluster

The future of advanced
pharmaceutical
manufacturing in Central
Virginia

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Ecosystem Direct Investment Fund

Fueling community, high-
growth, and inclusive entrepreneurship for all

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Events Calendar

Curated innovation events
for startup founders,
investors, mentors, and
corporate leaders

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Central Virginia Entrepreneurship

Expanding innovation opportunities to everyone in Central Virginia

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// Founder Insights

$320M Acquisition

“The support of the VA Bio+Tech Park was critical in helping us to obtain the early resources and mentors to build the business.”

a portrait of eric edwards

Eric Edwards

Co-Founder, Kaléo

Book a time and take a look around!

Visit us in the heart of downtown Richmond and see how we can work together!

// Join Our Community

Top Three Ways to Get Involved

01. Attend One of Our Free Events

02. Take a Tour of the Bio+Tech Park

03. Send Us a Message for More Information

Get updates on all of the programs and activities that Activation Capital supports.

activationcapital

In honor of Black History Month, our second member

In honor of Black History Month, our second member spotlight goes to Dr. Martin K. Safo. He holds an impressive list of titles, including Co-Director of VCU Structural Biology Core, Deputy Director of the Center for Drug Discovery, and CEO of a biotech startup, Illexcor Therapeutics. Dr. Safo is a world-renowned expert who has been working on translational research to discover and develop oral drugs for sickle cell disease since 1991. Sickle cell disease leads to a wide range of serious, sometimes life-threatening, conditions and progressive organ dysfunction that eventually causes premature death. Over 100,000 people in the US and 20 million worldwide, mostly of African descent, are afflicted with this devastating disease. With passion and perseverance, Dr. Safo has built on decades of research at VCU, overcoming drug potency and toxicity challenges. With his latest breakthrough, Dr. Safo discovered a class of small molecules that can overcome red blood cell sickling in two complementary ways. Via Illexcor Therapeutics, he has been making strides toward bringing life-changing therapy to those in need. #Blackleaders #STEM #Biotech #RVA

In honor of our black members who are founders, en

In honor of our black members who are founders, entrepreneurs, and powerhouses of their fields, we wanted to do a Spotlight Series. Our first highlight goes to Dr. Pilanda Watkins-Curry, the founder and CTO of Okolun Minerals.
"Our entrepreneurship journey has been dynamic and disruptive. We are focused on providing a solution that diverts harmful saline drainage water away from ocean life and marine ecosystems while also providing critical minerals and metals for various supply chains. As a black, woman-led start-up, we have had to be determined and persistent. In total in 2022, U.S. Black founders raised an estimated $2.254 billion out of the $215.9 billion in U.S. venture capital which is about a 1% drop compared to 2021. Olokun Minerals recently announced our $1.1 M in pre-seed funding to accelerate growth, expand our operations and business reach. We are thrilled for the opportunity to continue on our mission to protect our oceans, provide clean water, and supply minerals for critical supply chains."

Olokun Minerals began in 2021 with Lacey Reddix as Founder and CEO. Over the past few years, she has been working to increase our customer engagement and raise funds to advance our technology. Dr. Pilanda Watkins-Curry joined Olokun Minerals as Co-Founder and CTO in early 2023 and she is focused on advancing our technology and managing our research and development. Both Lacey Reddix and Pilanda Watkins-Curry met over 15 years ago during a summer program before they started at Spelman College called Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (W.i.S.T.E.M.). Their Spelman foundation, additional advanced degrees, and combined experience working in the water management and oil and gas industries enable them to pursue their mission for Olokun Minerals.

#rva #blackentrepreneurs #STEM #womeninscience

Activation Capital's own Chandra Briggman has rece

Activation Capital's own Chandra Briggman has received an inaugural “Women Who Drive Richmond” award honoring exemplary leadership and community service. We wish to extend our congratulations to Chandra and all the other award winners of this endeavor, created by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Richmond Raceway. #rva #leadingwomen #vabio #buildbackbetter

Do you believe in the power of innovation to chang

Do you believe in the power of innovation to change the world? At Activation Capital, our mission is to grow Virginia’s community of advanced tech entrepreneurs and empower them to solve the world’s toughest problems, and we are hiring to add to our team of dedicated personnel! Click the link in our bio to learn more about the Accounting Manager position and apply today. #rva #biotech #techstartup #letsgrow

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@activationRVA

RT @vabio: A big win for VA's life sciences industry! @GovernorVA announced $66.7 M in state grants...

08:36 PM · 15 Feb 2023

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RT @HuntonAK_EDCGR: From @RTDNEWS, more great news for the burgeoning pharmaceutical cluster in Cent...

08:36 PM · 15 Feb 2023

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RT @allianceformed: Thanks @RichmondInno for the ongoing coverage of our region's innovation ecosyst...

06:08 PM · 26 Jan 2023

Catalyzing tech innovation, company formation, and job creation in Virginia by providing flexible lab spaces, private offices, support services, and educational programming for startups, ESOs and clusters.

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