How Melinda French Gates has ‘transformational potential’ to boost equality in VC, tech and beyond
May 17, 2021 at 12:52 pm
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This special series focuses on important community issues, innovative solutions to societal challenges, and people and non-profit groups making an impact through technology.
Melinda French Gates speaking at the University of Washington in December 2017, with long-time computer science professor Ed Lazowska in the background. (GeekWire Photo / Kevin Lisota)
Melinda French Gates created Pivotal Ventures in January 2015 with so little fanfare that news of the effort came out after GeekWire accidentally stumbled upon its website. At the time, a spokesperson for the Kirkland, Wash.-based company described it as “a vehicle, when the time comes, to help explore potential other initiatives that don’t fit naturally or neatly within the [Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s] program areas.”
GeekWire Awards 2021: Geeks Give Back celebrates groups that better our community
April 21, 2021 at 7:51 pm
Coverage of the 2021 GeekWire Awards, presented by Wave Business, the Pacific NW’s annual startup and technology awards. See all coverage.
There’s no doubt that it has been a challenging year for nearly everyone for so many reasons. Happily, the Seattle area is home to numerous hardworking organizations that are using technology in creative and innovative ways to make life better. And GeekWire is here to recognize and celebrate a select few of these groups through our Geeks Give Back Award.
Nominees for the 2021 award share some common goals of working to benefit folks who risk being left behind despite their talent and skills. That includes kids who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC); children who struggle socially due to autism, ADHD or other conditions; and women eager to break into technology or entrepreneurial roles.