Village Capital and Autodesk Foundation Open Applications for Future of Work & Learning Accelerator

April 18, 2019 (Washington, DC) -- Village Capital and lead partner Autodesk Foundation, in collaboration with Lumina Foundation, are now accepting applications from early stage entrepreneurs building solutions to improve college persistence, job matching, and career growth opportunities through upskilling and reskilling. Applications can be found here and will be accepted through the end of May.

"New technologies and increasing automation are beginning to have an effect on workers and businesses today. These trends will significantly transform the labor market in the years ahead – so rather than waiting to react to future disruptions, it is critical to understand these challenges and start investing in possible solutions today,” said Joe Speicher, Executive Director at Autodesk Foundation. “We're excited to be working with Village Capital to support startups that are building solutions that help to align skills and competencies with employment opportunities that will benefit workers – and employers – everywhere.”

Entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in Village Capital’s Future of Work & Learning program, which will take place in three cities during the fall of 2019. This is Village Capital’s fifth US-based program designed for seed-stage startups in education and its fourth year focused on workforce development and credentialing.

The Michelson Runway EdTech Accelerator, an initiative of the Michelson 20MM Foundation, has pre-committed $100,000 equity investment to each of two peer-selected companies.

Founded by philanthropist Dr. Gary K. Michelson, Michelson 20MM is an LA-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and investing in technologies and initiatives that seek to transform learning and improve access to educational opportunities that lead to meaningful careers.

“For decades, the cards have become stacked more and more heavily against the American worker,” said Allie Burns, CEO, Village Capital. “From stagnant wages to corporate outsourcing, the middle class is already struggling, and a changing definition of work is only going to make things more complicated. We’re excited about elevating ideas for how to help adult learners get on the pathway to good jobs.”

 At each workshop, entrepreneurs will be introduced to investors, potential customers, and more experienced startup founders who can offer them strategic advice and feedback. Entrepreneurs who complete a Village Capital program raise 173% more capital and generate 28% more revenue than a control group.

About Village Capital

Village Capital helps entrepreneurs bring big ideas from vision to scale. Our mission is to reinvent the system to back the entrepreneurs of the future. Our vision is a future where business creates equity and long-term prosperity. Since 2009, we have supported more than 1,000 early-stage entrepreneurs through our investment readiness programs. Our affiliated fund, VilCap Investments, has provided seed funding to more than 100 program graduates.

About Autodesk Foundation

Autodesk and the Autodesk Foundation are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

About Lumina Foundation

Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. The foundation envisions a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s need for talent through a broad range of credentials. Lumina’s goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and for success in a global economy.

About Michelson 20MM Foundation

 The Michelson 20MM Foundation is a Los Angeles based private foundation dedicated to supporting and investing in leading edge entrepreneurs, technologies, and initiatives that seek to transform learning and improve access to educational opportunities that lead to a meaningful career. Michelson 20MM was founded in 2010 thanks to the generous support of renowned spinal surgeon and inventor Dr. Gary K. Michelson and his wife, Alya Michelson.