| From Mayada Hassanain, our Atlas Corps Fellow: Today marks the end of my nine months journey in the United States as an Atlas Corps Fellow serving with the Mentor Capital Network. The journey has far exceeded my expectations, I was challenged and inspired. I have learned so much during my time here, I have spoken to entrepreneurs who are creating clean energy solutions in the USA, turning returning citizens to productive members of the society, providing cook-stoves in Burkina Faso, and, supporting social enterprises in Afghanistan. These companies will employ thousands and empower millions of people, turning disaster and poverty into hope and pride, turning investments into profitable social, environmental, and financial returns. While I will be leaving the United States, I am extremely excited to continue my work with the MCN from Sudan, where I will strengthen and expand our network of entrepreneurs, mentors and Investors in the East African region. I will surely miss Ian and Patty, but, I am ready to go home, give back and leave my mark on this world. Thank you, Mayada Hassanain. Sincerely, The Mentor Capital Network |
| Join us at our Investor Fishbowl: June 20th in Rockville, MD Our next Investor Fishbowl will be June 20, 2016, in Rockville, MD. It is an opportunity for to see social enterprises to pitch in front of professional investors who will share their honest reactions and concerns with one another – in front of the entrepreneurs and the audience. All participants get an behind-the-scenes peek into the mind of an experienced investor. We’ll hear pitches from the following companies: * Manta Biofuel produces renewable algal crude oil that is cost competitive with crude oil. * Kent Biodiesel recycles used cooking oil from restaurants and hotels into cleaner burning BioDIESEL fuel and distribute the fuel to local customers. * Locals, LLC grows organic produce using ecologically sustainable methods while maximizing our growing capabilities. Each presenter will have an opportunity to give a 5-10 minute pitch in front of investors and the audience, followed by approximately 30-45 minutes of Q&A. After that, the investors will discuss the presentation as though the entrepreneur is not in the room, covering topics such as what they linked or didn’t like, what further information would they want to see, and the all-important question of whether or not they would invest in the company. When: June 20th, 12pm – 5pm. Where: Montgomery County Red Brick Courthouse at 29 Courthouse Square. Rockville, Maryland The event is free and open to the public. |
| Jobs, Fellowships, and Scholarships City Light Capital is seeking an energetic, passionate, and intellectually curious Associate to join our team. This position is ideal for a recent graduate with some work experience (2-5 years) who is passionate about venture capital, entrepreneurship, and/or impact investing. City Light Capital is looking for a team member who can learn and adapt quickly to a fast-moving, start-up environment and would be able to take on multiple projects at the same time. The position will be based out of our office New York City. Please submit your resume and cover letter to josh@citylightcap.com. Transform Finance is looking for a COO who will work closely with the Executive Director on all aspects of organizational strategy, operations and management. We seek a thoughtful and energetic leader committed to social justice values, interested in finance, and motivated by the idea of growing a cutting edge organization. Working in a small and dynamic environment, the COO will bring passion to our growth efforts by building organizational systems, taking charge of programmatic activities, and overseeing day to day operations in a fast-paced, exciting work environment. |
| MCN Alumni Updates Back to The Roots closed their $10M Series A funding and appeared on Jim Cramer’s Mad Money. Back to the Roots is working towards re-defining the “future of food”, one that is all about the “undoing of food” back to its simplest ingredients and least processed versions. Lisa Curtis, Founder and CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, was recognized by Green Business in their 30 under 30 list. Kuli Kuli sells moringa-based nutritional products to health-conscious and globally aware consumers in the United States in order to help reduce malnutrition in West Africa. Sebastian Sajouxwas selected as a 2016 Echoing Green 2016 fellow, with his company Arqlite. Arqlite aims to decrease carbon emissions and innovate the construction industry by recycling plastic waste into more sustainable and efficient building materials. We want YOUR updates! Did your company recently participate in our Sustainable Business Plan program? If so, we would greatly appreciate sixty seconds of your time to fill out this survey. The Mentor Capital Network is working on a research project with Professor Matt Lee (Harvard, INSEAD-Singapore) on what makes the best entrepreneur/mentor match, and how can we best support social entrepreneurs. |
| We Count on You! The Mentor Capital Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and depends entirely on the support of donors like you. If you like the work that we do to support start-up and growing social enterprises around the globe, please contribute today. The Mentor Capital Network is a trade name of the William James Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Please Donate Today |