Joint Statement on Behalf of Venture Cafe Global Institute and Venture Cafe Miami
MIAMI, FL (January 31, 2021) -Venture Café Global Institute (VCGI) is building a world-wide movement to create stronger, more inclusive ecosystems that enhance and accelerate the innovation process. At its core, Venture Café connects creators, investors, coworkers and big-idea people, to amplify work within the community . In 2019, we connected over 100,000 innovators to make things happen. Each Venture Café location offers high-touch programming, engaging spaces and storytelling opportunities that are tailored to the needs of the local region.
In 2015, Venture Café established Venture Café Miami (VCM) to specifically focus on community engagement and connecting community and programmatic partners for the utmost impact. With partners including Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), Miami-Dade Beacon Council, University of Miami and others. Then and now, Miami also represents a connection to the diverse community that is of great value to our global network with its unique location in which connections can be made to the Southern US, Central, and South America.
In 2015, we were proud to recruit Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Esq. as President & Executive Director of Venture Café Miami, a passionate attorney, ecosystem builder and advocate for inclusive innovation. Under her leadership, the talented team at VCM have convened programming that has attracted over 50,000 innovators, resulting in content partnerships with 1000+ organizations and 1500+ free educational sessions.
So it is with great pleasure that after five years, Leigh-Ann and her team will transition their focus to provide strategic advisory and technical support to communities to cultivate more inclusive, diverse, accessible, equitable, and better connected technology, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The organization will also scale new and existing ventures that align with this mission.
Leigh-Ann Buchanan, President of aīre ventures explained,
“Now more than ever, we recognize the critical role ecosystems play in bridging access gaps in opportunity, economic mobility and capital in its many forms. We are eager to continue to serve the South Florida community and others nationwide by working collaboratively with local leadership and stakeholders to devise inclusive and equitable solutions to these systemic challenges.”
VCGI are well aware of the essential role Venture Café Miami plays in the community and buoyed by discussions by local leaders, VCGI will continue to convene the Thursday Gathering, focused on supporting Miami’s vibrant startup and entrepreneurial scene.
Zara Crichton, President of VCGI said:
“Overall, we see a growing, exciting community in Miami and believe Venture Café has an invaluable place in it, gathering and growing the innovation community.”
