SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Create33, a center for technology entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest, today announced the appointment of Rebecca Lovell as Director. Lovell brings an extensive network and a stellar reputation as an action-oriented leader helping to build the startup ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. Launched in August of 2018, Create33 is designed to serve as a catalyst for growth for early-stage technology companies in the Pacific Northwest through programming, community, storytelling and media, connections between enterprises and startups, and shared workspace.
Lovell brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent more than a decade working in business and civic roles in support of entrepreneurs in the region. She most recently led the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development as Acting Director. Starting over four years ago as the City’s first Startup Advocate and ultimately promoted to lead this 30-person office, she led initiatives and teams that drove an innovative and inclusive economy, fostering resources for entrepreneurs and our region’s workforce. She is currently an Adjunct Instructor in the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business MBA program, serves on the national board of the Center of American Entrepreneurship, and is a committed Techstars mentor. Prior roles include Program Director of the Alliance of Angels and Executive Director of the Northwest Entrepreneur Network; before joining the city of Seattle she served as GeekWire’s first Chief Business Officer.
“Create33 is unique in that its only allegiance is to the Pacific Northwest’s technology entrepreneurs and the companies they choose to build here,” says Micah Baldwin, Executive Director of Create33. “Everything we do is focused on their success, and Rebecca deeply understands this community. Characterized by her steadfast advocacy of Seattle and its current and future founders, her reputation is well-earned as a builder of relationships, teams and businesses. We are excited to have her on board to help continue the growth of Create33.”
As Director, Lovell will focus on identifying founding teams and creating a center of gravity for the startup ecosystem at Create33, building membership and creating a megaphone for Seattle startup success. Just one of the early initiatives she will lead is the launch of Create33’s Builder Member program, which will allow every investor and senior member of a technology startup to participate in Create33. Priced at $50/month, Builder membership includes access to and use of the space at Create33, programming and other unique benefits. Sign up here if you are interested.
“As both a Seattle native and a part of the region’s startup ecosystem since 2006, I couldn’t be more excited about the assets we have that position us as a global leader in innovation. With so many ingredients for success, at Create33 we have a unique opportunity to connect the dots across the silos of startup activity, as well as to provide dedicated support to founding teams as they mature and grow. I look forward to working with our partners to grow the community and develop Create33 into a space for every builder in our city and region,” states Lovell.
Create33 was conceived by Madrona Venture Group and is housed on a brand-new floor below the venture firm in downtown Seattle. Create33 counts the region’s tech leaders amongst its partners – Amazon AWS, Microsoft, Wilson Sonsini, Fenwick West, Perkins Coie, Silicon Valley Bank, Savills Studley and JLL.
“Rebecca is a great talent with relationships and capabilities that are highly complementary to the outstanding leadership team at Create33,” explains Scott Jacobson, Madrona Managing Director. “Her passion for technology and entrepreneurship in our region and her track record of building effective programs and opportunities for startups to learn and grow makes Rebecca uniquely qualified to help advance the mission of Create33; we are delighted to have her join the team.”
Lovell joins Create33 on November 13.