Collaborative CT, a monthly networking series for Connecticut innovators, is expanding its mission to foster deeper engagement between startups, investors, researchers, and community leaders through the launch of a Nonprofit Spotlight.

This new initiative will highlight a different New Haven community nonprofit each month, reinforcing the connection between entrepreneurship and social impact. The first featured organization, Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK), will be showcased at the February 20 event.

Since its launch by Yale Ventures in November 2020, Collaborative CT has brought together over 2000 innovators from across the state. By integrating nonprofit partners into its programming, this initiative creates new opportunities for collaboration, resource-sharing, and meaningful social impact—fostering a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem. 

"We’re thrilled to launch the Nonprofit Spotlight as a way to bring mission-driven community partners into the innovation ecosystem," said Amy Kundrat, Director of Innovation Community at Yale Ventures. "By fostering deeper connections between entrepreneurs and nonprofits, we can build a purpose-driven ecosystem where business opportunity and community go hand in hand.” 

Founded in 1987, DESK provides free nightly meals, a food pantry, and case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in New Haven. In 2022, DESK expanded its impact with a Drop-In & Resource Center, offering daytime support, showers, laundry, and social services. 

"DESK has always been about bringing people together—whether it’s around a meal or through partnerships that drive change," said Steve Werlin, Executive Director of DESK. "Being featured at Collaborative CT is an exciting opportunity to connect with the broader innovation community and explore ways we can work together to tackle food insecurity and homelessness.” 

Held monthly, Collaborative CT events bring together a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry leaders. The Nonprofit Spotlight underscores Yale Ventures and its Collaborative CT partners’ commitment to ensuring that business growth and community impact go hand in hand—strengthening connections and fostering innovation with purpose.
 

The February 20 event will be hosted at Da Legna at Nolo from 4:30 – 6:30 PM and is sponsored by amplifyHERscience. Register here. 

For more information about Collaborative CT and the full schedule of 2025 events, visit: https://ventures.yale.edu/community/collaborative-ct. 

For more information about DESK, visit: https://deskct.org/ 

If you are interested in getting involved as a sponsor or have a nonprofit you would like to see spotlight, please contact michelle.mcqueen@yale.edu.