News

Activation Capital Names New Vice President for Operations

Activation Capital, an innovation ecosystem development organization, announced that it has appointed Kipton Currier as its Vice President of Operations. The new role comes as the organization clarifies its strategic direction, begins raising growth capital, and adopts a fresh operational approach to its mission. Currier will help build infrastructure across multiple organizational areas, including people, policies, space-making, and systems, to improve performance and help achieve ambitious goals for the regional innovation ecosystem.

“Activation Capital, with its Board, has been redesigning the organization and is now better positioned to drive transformational change. We are delighted to add Kipton Currier to the team as we continue to build a unique ecosystem that unlocks entrepreneurship, scales strong companies, and transforms communities,” said Chandra Briggman, president, and CEO of Activation Capital. “Kipton is a high-impact professional with a unique set of skills at the intersection of health and life sciences, entrepreneurship, and real estate that is critical at this stage in our evolution.”

As a social impact executive, Currier has dedicated her career to serving missions for the greater good. After a successful career in Manhattan real estate, Currier has worked in finance, healthcare, and life sciences. Originally from the tri-city area, Currier moved back to the Richmond region five years ago and has since helped launched three major initiatives, including a health data analytics firm, a national philanthropic guarantee bank, and, most recently, a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Currier has an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary.

“As a fourth-generation Virginia entrepreneur, I was drawn to Activation Capital’s vision, mission, and values, and its role in catalyzing entrepreneurship in the region,” said Currier. “I look forward to helping the organization operationalize its strategy. Activation Capital has tremendous opportunity for a bigger, bolder future. I am eager to contribute to its growth and work with the team and partners in these endeavors.”

The appointment comes on the heels of recent wins for the organization, including leading the efforts to secure a $55.9M Build Back Better Regional Challenge award for the region, and a $450K GO Virginia Region 4 Grant to design a regional entrepreneurship strategy. Currier will begin her role as Vice President of Operations at Activation Capital on December 6, 2022.

Recent News

09/22/2023

State public health laboratory, Henrico County Schools launch pilot program to promote life science career

More than 50 Henrico County high school students and teachers joined scientists from Virginia’s public health and environmental laboratory Wednesday to kick off an innovative program that brings together private and government scientists and experts, business and nonprofit leaders, and public schools to explore ways to create a pipeline of talent to fuel Virginia’s growing

09/21/2023

Climate Tech Startup ThermaGEL Innovations’ Breakthrough Aerogels Join the Challenge to Save Half-Gigaton of C02 Emissions Each Year

In the fight against climate change, properly insulating homes and buildings can significantly raise energy efficiency and indoor air quality while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. A startup company, spun out of research at Virginia Commonwealth University, is commercializing what it calls a breakthrough in low-cost insulation materials. ThermaGEL Innovations has developed insulation material using aerogels,

09/20/2023

Charlottesville healthy sugar innovator Bonumose raises $2M

Bonumose Inc., a Charlottesville startup specializing in table sugar alternatives, has raised $2 million toward a $10 million funding round after German flavor and fragrances producer Symrise AG signed a minority investment agreement with the company. “The strategic investment from Symrise is part of a larger funding round that will be used for increasing sales,