Tour de ConnecticutOur 2024 Ride
For the second year in a row, CI hit the road to celebrate innovation and stop by early-stage startups across the state from Stamford to Mystic.Led by CEO Matt McCooe, CMO Lauren Carmody and board chair Michael Cantor, the 2024 Tour de Connecticut highlighted the state’s diverse and thriving innovation ecosystem and showcased how deeply connected Connecticut’s entrepreneurial network truly is. Click through the interactive map to view highlights from the 200-mile journey.
Last year's ride included memorable stops like a kickoff event at The Village in Stamford, an energetic leadership panel at BioLabs in New Haven, a pitstop at the State Capitol in Hartford, a kayak ride through Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme and a finish line celebration at the scenic Branford House at Avery Point in Groton, each event reflecting the unique energy and innovation of Connecticut.
Last year's ride included memorable stops like a kickoff event at The Village in Stamford, an energetic leadership panel at BioLabs in New Haven, a pitstop at the State Capitol in Hartford, a kayak ride through Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme and a finish line celebration at the scenic Branford House at Avery Point in Groton, each event reflecting the unique energy and innovation of Connecticut.
Great food, friendly competition, and lots of laughs. 🍔 Our CI Summer Picnic at Hammonasset Beach State Park brought the team together for corn hole showdowns, sizzling hotdogs and burgers, beachside strolls and some well-earned fun in the sun. 🌞 Feeling grateful for this team.
So much fun having the Lazio Italian Delegation in our space earlier this week. Our CEO Matt McCooe, managing director of investments Alison Malloy, and AdvanceCT CEO John Bourdeaux provided insight on Connecticut’s ecosystem and the benefits of doing business here. It was great to meet these talented entrepreneurs and learn more about their startups. 💡 @advancect
Happy National Volunteer Month! 🙋🏽♀️ Earlier today CI volunteered at a local beach cleanup hosted by @orcafellowship at Nathan Hale Park in New Haven to collect trash and make the beach safer and cleaner for visitors and wildlife. 🐚 We were also joined by our friends at Connecticut Green Bank, Athletic Brewing and more. It was an amazing way to support the local community, improve our beautiful planet and spend time together outside. ☀️ Will you make an impact this month?
Last week, we hosted our first (surely, not our last) talent fair to connect students from local colleges and universities with some of our disruptive startup companies seeking top talent. 🌟 @districtnhv was buzzing with more than 300 people, made up of students, hiring companies and ecosystem members, all eager to learn more about Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, make new connections, and take advantage of the career development activities offered throughout the afternoon.
Even with all of these remarkable photos, it’s hard to truly do the event justice. Here’s a quick recap of what the electric day included:
🤝 Networking and ePoster presentations from more than 20 Connecticut companies looking to hire young talent
📈 The Road to Growth panel discussion featuring Katherine Saunders from FlyteHealth, Reid Waldman from Veradermics, and Laxmi Wordham from Bright Feeds
📸 Professional headshots for attendees taken by Mimi Zhou from @zmimiphotography
💡 The Power of First Impressions and Intro to Venture Capital 101 workshops
🚲 Live, Work and Play: Connecticut Giveaway challenge, including the chance to complete tasks in exchange for stamps to become eligible to win giveaway prizes from local brands like @aveloair, @escapismct, @coveredbridgeebike, @thebitescompany, @rosiesroyal, @athleticbrewing and more
😄 Keynote address from the esteemed @lauriesantosofficial about the science of happiness, tips to improve your well-being, and how to live in the present moment even when it seems impossible
🥤 Brain juice and brain food powered by local vendors like @drinkpedals, @newenglandcoffeeguy and @char.cuteboard
🐶 Furry friends to cheer on attendees and showcase the universities in attendance, including @handsomedanyale, @otus_bluecrew and @lucas_the_stag
