2023 Impact Report
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TIMELINE
TIMELINE
From Inception to Impact
From Inception to Impact
Seed has been very busy over the last ten years, launching new programs, expanding geographies, engaging volunteers, and more. Walk along our path to growth with us:
Seed has been very busy over the last ten years, launching new programs, expanding geographies, engaging volunteers, and more. Walk along our path to growth with us:
2011 Inception
2011 Inception
2013
Seed Transformation Program (STP) launched in West Africa
First educational program for established enterprises launches with an inaugural cohort of 26 CEOs/founders.
First educational program for established enterprises launches with an inaugural cohort of 26 CEOs/founders.
Coaching program created
Seasoned executives volunteer for a year to provide guidance to entrepreneurs while living in the country. The first five coaches arrived in Ghana in June 2013.
Seasoned executives volunteer for a year to provide guidance to entrepreneurs while living in the country. The first five coaches arrived in Ghana in June 2013.
2014
Internship program started
Stanford students work directly with a Seed Network company, gaining high-level work experience while making a social impact. The first three students interned at companies in West Africa.
Stanford students work directly with a Seed Network company, gaining high-level work experience while making a social impact. The first three students interned at companies in West Africa.
Consulting program launched
Experienced business professionals offer pro-bono, project-based, remote support to entrepreneurs. The program kicked off with five volunteers.
Experienced business professionals offer pro-bono, project-based, remote support to entrepreneurs. The program kicked off with five volunteers.
2015-16
Seed Transformation Network founded
A program for entrepreneurs who have completed STP to help them carry on their work, support each other, and intensify their impact.
A program for entrepreneurs who have completed STP to help them carry on their work, support each other, and intensify their impact.
Expanded STP to East Africa
Opened an office and hired a team in Nairobi, Kenya.
Opened an office and hired a team in Nairobi, Kenya.
Engaged with local business advisors
The STP evolved to include local expert business advisors, who work closely with CEOs/founders and management teams to implement what they learned.
The STP evolved to include local expert business advisors, who work closely with CEOs/founders and management teams to implement what they learned.
2017
King Center on Global Development launched
Seed’s research program, focused on entrepreneurship and development, was moved to what is today known as the King Center on Global Development at Stanford.
Seed’s research program, focused on entrepreneurship and development, was moved to what is today known as the King Center on Global Development at Stanford.
2018
Expanded STP to Southern Africa
Formed a collaboration with De Beers, enabling Seed to expand into Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Formed a collaboration with De Beers, enabling Seed to expand into Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Expanded STP to India
Opened an office in Chennai, India, going beyond Africa for the first time. Welcomed the first cohort of 45 entrepreneurs.
Opened an office in Chennai, India, going beyond Africa for the first time. Welcomed the first cohort of 45 entrepreneurs.
Held first Global Seed Summit in Nairobi
This multi-day event brought together members of the Seed Transformation Network with Stanford faculty, alumni and other guests to learn, connect, and be inspired by the global Seed community.
This multi-day event brought together members of the Seed Transformation Network with Stanford faculty, alumni and other guests to learn, connect, and be inspired by the global Seed community.
2019
Expanded STP further into South Asia
Expanded beyond India into Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, increasing the cohort size to 80.
Expanded beyond India into Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, increasing the cohort size to 80.
2020
Seed Spark launched
Developed a new program to meet the needs of early-stage entrepreneurs, partnering with the GSB, academic incubators, and entrepreneurial support organizations.
Developed a new program to meet the needs of early-stage entrepreneurs, partnering with the GSB, academic incubators, and entrepreneurial support organizations.
2021
Grit & Growth podcast aired
Our podcast featuring Stanford faculty and Seed entrepreneurs has an estimated 10,000 listeners in over 170 countries each month.
Our podcast featuring Stanford faculty and Seed entrepreneurs has an estimated 10,000 listeners in over 170 countries each month.
2022
Aspire launched
Introduced a new program in partnership with the African Management Institute, to meet the needs of business owners with $30K — $400K in revenue.
Introduced a new program in partnership with the African Management Institute, to meet the needs of business owners with $30K — $400K in revenue.