Caroline Cummings

About Caroline Cummings

Former CEO/Co-founder of two technology companies. DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (built inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems in the U.S. and Internationally. Emphasis on identifying and elevating overlooked entrepreneurs and support networks. Formation of public-private partnerships, including university partnerships). STARTUPS (mentoring, team formation, product development, sales/marketing, financials, investor-relations, etc.)INVESTOR DEVELOPMENT (catalyzed several seed/venture funds, recruitment/training of investors (with a focus on underrepresented founders), identifying deal flow, investing in startups, etc. Personally invested in 22 startups, mostly led by underrepresented founders)FUNDRAISING (for non-profits, seed funds, startup programs, and startup businesses)- have raised a combined total of $30M.My favorite thing to do is mentor and advocate for \"the underdog.\" I mentor entrepreneurs all over the world. I also get great pleasure out of mentoring youth and young professionals (especially young girls and women). I believe everyone should mentor and be mentored. SPECIALITIES: embodied/somatic leadership, executive management, business development, sales, strategic planning, strategic partnerships, fundraising (for startups, investment funds and non-profits), project management, sales and marketing strategies, corporate communications, non-profit leadership, ecosystem- and coalition-building, advocacy, inclusive approaches, community-informed programming, international development, public speaking, organizational development, and change management.

Experience

1. Founder and CEO

   Varo Ventures

   Jul 2015 — Present · Bozeman, MT, US

   We help build/grow inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and cultures (\"Varo\"=\"launch\" in Italian). Partner with entrepreneurs, innovators, venture funds, higher ed, government, economic development orgs, municipalities, community members, foundations, the private sector + the media. Clients:INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSNiedconline.org\"Contractor\"Providing coaching, educational workshops, and strategic planning for a $30M US EDA-funded Economic Recovery Corps: a collaborative initiative designed to accelerate recovery in distressed communities + regions throughout the U.S.RAIN CATALYSTSraincatalysts.org\"CEO\"Provided leadership for entrepreneurial initiatives where inclusivity is at the center, including venture funds (Willamette Angels, Portland Seed Fund, Cascade Seed Fund, Elevate Capital), the Oregon State Univ Advantage Accelerator/Eugene Accelerator-by connecting entrepreneurs/innovators to the resources they need to launch/scale their startups. Supporting the growth of investment capital in the U.S. and PakistanUNIVERSITY OF OREGONOregon Consulting GroupRole: “Business Development”A student-led, professionally managed on campus consulting group residing w/in the UO’s Lundquist School of Business. Brough ew client work to OCG, mentoring student teams,+ advising the OCG Director for strategic growth.UNIV OF OREGONIA Special Programs“Entrepreneurial Development Consultant/Mentor\"Spent 2 weeks in Pakistan meeting with/mentoring entrepreneurs (mostly women), delivering workshops/sharing a proven model for rural entrepreneurial development. Purpose was to build women\'s entrepreneurial networks. Contract was part of a grant the UO secured from the US State Dept. Partner in the grant was from Karakoram International University.UNIV OF PHOENIX: Matter Expert\"Revising curricula for Masters in Mgmt & Entrepreneurship courses to be less theoretical and more practical application.

Education

• Drexel University

  Bachelor of Science, Corporate Communications, Minor in PR

  1999 — 2001

• Atlantic Cape Community College

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Psychology

  1988 — 1990

• University of Oregon

  Certificate in Sustainable Change Management, Sustainability Studies

  2004 — 2004

• Art Institute of Philadelphia

  Fashion/Apparel Merchandising & Design

  1987 — 1988

Skills

• Project Management
• Event Management
• Digital Strategy
• Recruiting
• Nonprofits
• Leadership
• Store Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Strategic Partnerships
• Strategic Communications
• Online Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Enterprise Software
• Change Management
• Social Media
• Brand Development
• Strategy
• Training
• New Business Development
• Team Building
• Management
• Webmaster Services
• Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Workshop Facilitation
• Business Development
• Executive Management
• Business Planning
• Small Business
• Food & Beverage
• Start-Ups
• Strategies
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Online Advertising
• Organizational Development
• Blogging
• Public Relations
• Corporate Communications
• Fundraising