Connect, San Diego’s original technology incubator, and the San Diego Venture Group announced Thursday that the two organizations have merged under the Connect name.
Mike Krenn, who headed SDVG, will serve as chief executive officer and Dr. Silvia Mah, who assumed leadership of Connect last month, will be president and chief operating officer.
The merger is effective immediately and the organizations will combine operations in the coming months.
“Connect has been a leader in entrepreneurism and early-stage educational workshops as part of the Springboard accelerator program, while SDVG has been on the other end of the spectrum with providing access to capital and raising money, so it all fits in super nicely,” said Krenn.
Mah said the two organizations are combining to provide better support for the local entrepreneurial community. “There’s no shortage of entrepreneurs and startups that can use help, so we are looking forward to supporting them in all aspects of their growth,” she said.
All programming and events currently offered by each organization will continue as scheduled for the immediate future, beginning with the annual Cool Companies on April 30.
The boards of each organization will combine, with Tim Scott continuing as executive chairman, and Eric Otterson and James Mackay serving as co-vice chairmen.
The merged organization has relocated to a new office building at 4110 Campus Point Court and a new logo created.
Connect has assisted in the formation and development of more than 3,000 companies since its founding in 1985. Founded a year later, SDVG has brought together entrepreneurs and investors through regular meetings and forums.