Transformative $1.2M Gift Ensures Access and Equity
In 2022, a transformational gift of $1.2 million marks a new milestone in DEC’s ability to support aspiring innovators, thanks to Earle Yaffa, E61, Kim Hartman, J85, and her husband, Alan Hartman, and the Joseph H. Flom Foundation.
The gift, which directly funds equity-free venture awards and programming for Tufts Venture Accelerator participants, affirms a commitment to ensuring access and equity for anyone with an idea — all while alleviating the financial pressures that students too often face.
Accelerating the progress of Tufts entrepreneurs since 2018
The Tufts Venture Accelerator was founded in 2018 to help Tufts entrepreneurs make progress on their new ventures during the summer. It has been successfully impacting entrepreneurs ever since.
The program has gone through many transformations. With the generous gift from Earle, Kim, Alan and the Flom Foundation, we were able to expand our program. Starting in 2022, we are able to offer each full-time team equity free venture awards up to $10,000. We will also be providing marketing support to help teams establish a baseline marketing presence. Lastly, we will be awarding teams with female- or non-binary cofounders a one-year membership valued at $924 for WE Global Studio, a venture studio and digital full stack startup platform for women entrepreneurs.