World Economic Forum interview with Breakout Labs Executive Director Lindy Fishburne

Can philanthropy bridge the early-stage funding gap for hard science and technology and bring radical innovation back to the economy? Breakout Labs believes it can.

In a recent interview with The World Economic Forum, our own Lindy Fishburne reveals a key insight about why philanthropic organizations are crucial to the creation of a supportive ecosystem for disruptive entrepreneurialism. Because they’re more adept than the government at providing access to a community of investors, and more willing than market-based funders to take on risks, philanthropists can create an environment that allows innovators to thrive.

A new type of entrepreneur is emerging, and they are going to need programmatic support from institutions, government and the marketplace — the scientist as entrepreneur. In the past, VCs would tell you that they wouldn’t fund a company with a scientist as CEO. This is going to change. We will see the value of leaders with scientific expertise and passionate dedication, and they will have the skills that allow them to be successful problem-solvers and builders.

It’s an enlightening conversation that eloquently encapsulates our mission. If you’d like to read the full interview, you can download a PDF of “Leveraging Disruption for Society: The Scientist Entrepreneur” or read the full interview online.