Sophia Viklund

The vision of INNOVATE PASADENA is to create a vibrant ecosystem of technology and design innovation in the greater Pasadena area that supports sustainable economic growth. Advancing greater Pasadena as a center of technology and design innovation by supporting collaboration across business and education to attract companies, entrepreneurs, innovators and capital to the broader community.

The Band of Angels is Silicon Valleys oldest seed funding organization. We are a formal group of more than 150 former and current high tech executives who are interested in investing their time and money into new, cutting edge, startup companies. Weve seeded over 277 companies in our history with 61 profitable M&A exits and 11 IPOs. Band members have founded companies such as Symantec, Logitech, and National Semiconductor and been senior executives at the likes of Sun Microsystems, Hewlett Packard, and Intuit. The Band meets monthly to formally consider three startups selected from among the more than 50 that are screened each month by the Band Deal Selection Process. Entrepreneurs can expect a thorough examination and, occasionally, an investment from some of Silicon Valleys most accomplished entrepreneurs.

Golden Seeds is an investment firm dedicated to pursuing market returns through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the people who invest in them. The group was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in New York City, with active chapters in Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, and Silicon Valley – and active members throughout the country. Golden Seeds’ Angel Network has grown to become one of the largest in the country with around 280 members nationwide. Since 2005, over 3200 companies have applied to Golden Seeds for funding. All companies are evaluated, many proceed through due diligence and receive extensive guidance from Golden Seeds investors. In total, Golden Seeds has invested over $170 million in nearly 235 companies through its angel network and its venture funds. Moreover, the firm and its investors have provided important leadership in this investment sector. www.goldenseeds.com