Connect Highlights Capital Growth and Innovation Momentum in 2025 Impact Report
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SAN DIEGO - Californer -- Connect, San Diego's original startup accelerator and a leading catalyst for innovation, today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of strong capital formation, ecosystem engagement, and continued growth for the region's innovation economy.

The report places Connect's impact within the broader regional context: in 2025, San Diego companies raised $3.6 billion in venture capital, with 13% of that capital raised by Connect companies, underscoring the organization's role as a key contributor to the region's innovation pipeline.

At the program level, Connect supported 355 startups, facilitated 5,572 direct and indirect investor introductions, and engaged 65 experts, mentors, judges, and speakers across its initiatives. Collectively, Connect companies raised $580 million in total capital in 2025.

The report also reflects a broader market shift toward capital formation, with venture funding increasing year-over-year even as mergers and acquisitions activity remained limited, signaling sustained investor confidence in San Diego's innovation ecosystem.

"Connect exists to clear paths for founders and strengthen the infrastructure that allows innovation to thrive," said James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect. "This report reflects the momentum of our community and the collective work being done to build the next generation of impactful companies right here in San Diego."

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2025 Impact at a Glance

• $580M total capital raised by Connect Companies
• 355 startups supported
• 5,572 investor introductions facilitated
• 65 ecosystem experts engaged
• $3.6B total venture capital raised across San Diego
• 13% of regional VC raised by Connect Companies

Beyond these metrics, the 2025 Impact Report highlights Connect's expanding role as a connector of capital, talent, and opportunity—supporting founders from early advising through growth-stage fundraising while convening the broader innovation community.

View the full 2025 Impact Report: https://connect.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Connect-Impact-Report-2025-1.pdf

About Connect

Connect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and San Diego's original startup accelerator, helping founders in technology and life sciences connect to capital, expertise, and community. For 40 years, Connect has supported entrepreneurs and strengthened the region's innovation economy through advising, capital programs, events, and ecosystem leadership.