41% of B-Lab Grads are Social Ventures
By: Cayla Mackey
July 31, 2015

Last night, Brown University showcased its first cohort of B-Lab participants. The inaugural Summer B-Lab Pilot included 17 student-led ventures from a diverse array of industries. The intensive eight-week program’s goal is to allow students to reach minimal viability to determine if the idea is worth continued pursuit.

41% of the current graduating cohort of B-Lab ventures, 7 out of the 17, are social ventures or have components of a social venture. Here are the ventures that stood out to us. We look forward to continue to nurture these ventures here in Rhode Island:

Health Roots
Dolls & storybooks that combat racism and colorism

Ripple
Corporate social giving app

The Uprising
Hip-hop events featuring artists dedicated to social justice

ZenCare
Pairing patients mental health providers

Leading Edge
Hydrokinetic devices for power solutions

ECOol Systems
Eco-friendly green solutions for server farms

ForwardGen
Support and educational network for first-generation college students

Learn more about the current cohort of B-Lab graduates here.

Cayla Mackey
University Initiative Director

As the Social Enterprise Greenhouse University Initiative Director, Cayla helps college and university students get involved in social enterprise. The University Initiative is a program funded by the Blackstone Charitable Foundation Innovation Grant to retain students and recent graduates in Rhode Island through enabling them to work on and in social enterprises. Learn more about Cayla here.

Contact: cmackey@segreenhouse.org