Berkeley SkyDeck Executive Director Caroline Winnett Honored In Forbes 50 Over 50

Berkeley SkyDeck, a premier accelerator and global entrepreneurship hub, announced that its Executive Director Caroline Winnett has been named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 list in the Innovation category. This accolade honors 200 women recognized for exceptional innovation and industry impact. Winnett has been instrumental in making SkyDeck a leading global accelerator, expanding its influence into Europe and securing key partnerships worldwide.

Winnett expressed gratitude for the recognition, celebrating the collective efforts of her team at SkyDeck. Over the past decade, SkyDeck alumni have raised $2 billion collectively, underscoring its prestigious status with a remarkably low acceptance rate of around 1%.

Under Winnett's guidance, Berkeley SkyDeck has grown exponentially. The accelerator now attracts over 2,000 applications per class, funding each batch of 20-25 startups with $200,000 and providing $750,000 in resources. The SkyDeck Fund, which invests in alumni companies, shares half of its profits with UC Berkeley, reinforcing the bond between the accelerator and the university.

Winnett's role has also been pivotal in SkyDeck's international expansion, notably with SkyDeck Europe in Milan, and partnerships with organizations like JETRO and the Swedish Energy Agency. Her diverse career includes roles as a concert violinist, publisher, and co-founder of the neuroscience company NeuroFocus, which was acquired by Nielsen.

With applications for Batch 19 opening, Berkeley SkyDeck continues to expand, now welcoming all US and international founders regardless of UC Berkeley affiliation. Applications are due by August 23, with orientations beginning November 4.