Innovation & Job News

MindShare, an invitation-only networking group in D.C. for CEOs, bankers, VCs and marketers, introduced its 18th class of first-time CEOs last night at a private kick-off event at the Verizon Center. Nineteen current MindShare board members were present to welcome the new class of 85, which squeezed into the Volkswagen Theatre to listen to Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards and cofounder of Revolution Growth, share pearls of wisdom from his years founding and funding businesses.
 

MindShare's new class is much larger than last year's group of 57. The larger class reflects the explosion of new businesses in D.C. over the past few years. "We're seeing a lot more activity of high-potential, emerging companies," explained Katherine Ferguson, vice president of business development for Cooley and MindShare board member. "We had a ton of nominations this year. We had to make a decision: keep the class size as it was or grow to be a part of the growing system. We opted to grow."
 

MindShare was started in 1997 to connect D.C.-area CEOs from growing high-tech companies. The organization provides mentorship and fosters relationships among members to help CEOs build sustainable companies. Membership is by nomination and invitation only.
 

"This is an unbelievable program," said Leonsis, of MindShare. "It's bulletproof." He should know. Leonsis cofounded VC fund Revolution Growth with Steve Case and Donn Davis, in 2011. Revolution Growth invests $25m to $50m in its chosen companies and has invested in eight companies since the fund launched. Six have been in the D.C. area, and three are MindShare alumni: Brian Gernert (Resonate Networks), Toby Moore (Optoro) and Mark Katz (Custom Ink). 
 

The new MindShare inductees, in alphabetical order, are: