Reflecting on a Transformative Year at Kinect Capital
November 17, 2023
Dear LinkedIn community,
As I step down from my role as interim CEO of Kinect Capital , I am grateful for the incredible journey we've shared over the past 11 months. Leading this dynamic team has been an honor, and I am immensely proud of the achievements during my tenure. Exciting times await Kinect as James Kemp takes the helm, steering Kinect towards even greater success supporting entrepreneurs on the path to fundraising.
Our transformation in 2023 was a pivotal moment for Kinect. In addition to continuing our legacy programs such as our Entrepreneur Mentoring , Investors Choice , Deal Forums , WeROC , Urban Innovation Accelerator Program , and managing the One Utah Summit pitch competition , we rebranded the organization from VentureCapital.org and became Kinect Capital, established the WeAngels program , expanded our Kinect Essentials education program , introduced online education videos and apps, and launched the Kinect Alumni program . These actions aimed to better serve entrepreneurs, providing them with the support they truly need to find and realize capital for growth.
The impact of this transformation has been substantial. This year, Kinect hosted 57 events across Idaho and Utah, engaging 3,298 participants.
This year’s mentoring efforts prepared 55 CEOs for pitches to various capital providers, with 392 mentors contributing thousands of hours through the mentorship. We also launched WeAngels 101, with 260 participants benefiting from angel investment education.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional individuals who made this year’s accomplishments possible. Special thanks to John Haglund , Christina Evans , Peter Callister , Sarah Kyle , Brooke Peterson , Amy Bowman , Matthew Katz , Ryan Aleman , Norris Krueger, PhD , Dilion Smith , Silke Knebel , Timothy Watts , Kenlee Anderson , and Ray Smithson . Also my sincere appreciation to Kinect’s 60+ interns who served our founders in 2023!?
I am in awe of the dedication shown by the wonderful mentors and sponsors who supported our endeavors, rolled up their sleeves, and jumped in. To Kinect’s sponsors, foundations, and partner organizations, your commitment helped us achieve great things. I am awestruck by your collaborative spirit that has driven Kinect's success.
Behind this team, I appreciate the commitment to completing our transformation by our board members. Every board member jumped in with creativity, action, and care. A heartfelt thank you to Marcia Nelson , my incredible boss and board chair, for growing my leadership and operations skills, and being the shot in my arm when I was facing challenges.?
As I step away, I am confident in Kinect Capital's bright future. The impact we've had on entrepreneurs and the business community will endure for a long time going forward, thanks to the transformative seeds we've planted together.?
Thank you, Kinect Capital community, for an extraordinary year. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued success from this remarkable organization.
Best regards and onwards,
领英推荐
Tara Spalding
Former Interim CEO, Kinect Capital
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11 个月Thanks for all your hard work. I sure love knowing you!