Cleantech Open Appoints Richard Franklin to Chairman of Its Board of Directors
REDWOOD CITY, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 13, 2015) - The Cleantech Open, the world's largest accelerator of early-stage clean-technology companies, announced the election of Richard Franklin to the board of the Cleantech Open, and his appointment to board chair. Franklin will draw from his deep knowledge of the organization, as well as his 35 years of executive leadership experience, to guide the Cleantech Open through its accelerating international expansion.
"We are thrilled to have Dick on board to serve as an integral part of our organization," said Marc Gottschalk, one of the Cleantech Open's original founders, outgoing board chair, and partner with Sidley Austin LLP. "He has been an incredibly effective executive director for, and founder of, our Rocky Mountain region. Dick is also a prodigious fundraiser, and with his long record of successful executive leadership, he is going to be a tremendous asset. I can't think of a better person to take up the mantle."
Since its founding in 2006, the one-of-a-kind annual accelerator and mentorship program has enabled more than 1,000 participating companies in the United States alone to raise in excess of $1.1 billion and has created thousands of jobs. Internationally, the Cleantech Open's partnerships with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have led to the creation of the Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP). Over the last two years, successful GCIP accelerator programs have been launched in developing and emerging countries, including India, Malaysia and Pakistan. This partnership has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of applicants to well over 1,000 worldwide this year, with more than 300 of them being selected for intensive training and launch this year through Cleantech Open-supported efforts.
"At this time of unprecedented global climate challenges, the Cleantech Open is answering the call by scaling up its ability to train entrepreneurs and grow successful cleantech companies around the world," said Dick Franklin. "Our Global Network is now receiving more than 1000 new applications and technologies annually, which could have a tremendous impact on reducing the risks associated with climate change. I am thrilled to be able to take the helm and continue to build upon this incredible track record."