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Past Events

22 Mar

Scientist Solutions Vendor Show

Wednesday, Biotech 1, Atrium

09 Mar

Virginia Bioscience Commercialization Luncheon

Thursday, Bio+Tech Center, Founders Conference Room

01 Mar

Backstage Pass: Scaling a Startup with Grenova

Wednesday, Startup Virginia

28 Feb

Lessons in Raising Capital: A Look at Financing Strategy and Approach

Tuesday, JLABS @ Washington, DC

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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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