Curebound Appoints MedTech Innovator Rick Valencia as Chair of Its Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Curebound, a rapidly growing philanthropic organization dedicated to funding breakthrough cancer research, today announced the appointment of Rick Valencia as Chair of its Board of Directors, marking the next phase of strategic growth for the organization. Valencia succeeds Bill Koman, Curebound co‑founder, who will continue to serve as Chairman Emeritus.

Founded in 2021 by Bill and Amy Koman and Fernanda and the late Ralph Whitworth, Curebound has become a leading force in accelerating early-stage cancer research through collaborative funding and strategic partnerships.

A respected global entrepreneur and executive, Valencia brings a deeply personal commitment to Curebound’s mission, heavily influenced by the life and loss of his wife, Stacey, to cancer in 2024, and a determination to turn his family’s grief into collective progress. He and his daughter Aubrey lead “Race for Stace,” one of the organization’s top Curebound Cancer Challenge fundraising teams, and he has served on the Curebound Board since January 2025. Valencia is currently a partner at CEO Coaching International and serves on the boards of CONNECT San Diego and the TL Foundation.

Throughout his career, Valencia has built and led category‑defining companies and investment platforms. He founded and scaled Qualcomm Life, pioneering wireless‑enabled technologies that improved access to care and advanced patient outcomes, resulting in the successful scaling and acquisition of multiple industry-leading platforms. His venture investment platforms have supported high‑impact companies including Fitbit, Telcare, Airstrip, and Kardia Mobile.

“As Board Chair, my focus is simple: fund and advance scientific discoveries that can save lives—and do it now, at a time when government funding for early‑stage research is under critical pressure,” said Rick Valencia, Chair of the Curebound Board of Directors. “Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States. Private philanthropy and corporate partnerships must step forward to accelerate promising science and bring treatments to patients faster.”

Curebound’s founders recognized that early‑stage cancer studies often lack the funding needed to test bold ideas, uncover foundational science, and pave the way for tomorrow’s treatments and cures.

“The Komans and Whitworths founded Curebound with a clear belief: if we want cures in our lifetime, we must invest – now – in the science that can get us there,” Valencia added. “I’m honored to build on the foundation they created and to work alongside our board, leadership team, donors, and partners to accelerate this mission.”

Robin Toft, Curebound Chief Executive Officer, said, “Rick’s appointment as Board Chair signals Curebound’s next chapter of clarity, growth, and strategic momentum. His experience scaling innovative companies—and his commitment to mobilizing philanthropic capital—strengthens our ability to invest boldly and advance promising research toward real‑world cancer cures.”

About Curebound

Curebound fundraises for and invests in cancer research with the power to save lives. Through collaborative grants, corporate partnerships, and strategic investments, Curebound accelerates better prevention, detection, and treatments for cancer. To date, Curebound has funded $51.5 million in cancer research, awarding 170 study grants across 23 types of pediatric and adult cancers. This work has resulted in 30 expanded clinical trials reaching 1,864 patients and has spurred $161 million in follow-on funding for Curebound-supported investigators. Cancer is relentless — so is Curebound. Join us at https://www.curebound.org.