SAN DIEGO - s4story -- At a time when access to capital remains challenging for many startups, the TL Foundation is supporting Connect's 2026 Cool Companies program to help ensure San Diego's most promising founders have the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Connect's newest class of 24 San Diego startups were selected for Cool Companies, the organization's annual capital program spotlighting venture-ready technology and life sciences companies preparing to raise institutional funding.

Through its role as a sponsor, the TL Foundation is helping expand access to capital while advancing its mission to build a stronger, more inclusive innovation economy for future generations.

"Connect does a great job of elevating promising startups. It's helpful as we look to invest," said Andy Ballester, chairman of the TL Foundation. "In today's environment, connecting the right founders with the right capital is more important than ever to keep our San Diego innovation economy competitive."

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The TL Foundation is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit philanthropic venture fund that invests in early-stage technology and life sciences companies and works alongside founders to help them grow. By reinvesting 100 percent of returns back into the community, the TL Foundation creates an evergreen source of capital designed to fuel innovation and strengthen the region's economic future over time.

Supporting programs like Cool Companies reflects the TL Foundation's broader commitment to building a thriving innovation ecosystem. While strong innovation economies define world-class cities, few philanthropic models are structured to scale economic impact. The TL Foundation aims to help close that gap by turning startup success into long-term community benefit.

The TL Foundation has previously invested $400,000 in Cool Companies alumni, including Condor Software, Looq, Papillon Therapeutics and Resolute Science (https://resolutescience.com/), underscoring the program's role as a pipeline for high-quality, investment-ready startups.

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Through its partnership with Connect and continued investment in early-stage companies, the TL Foundation is helping ensure that San Diego's innovation economy grows in a way that expands opportunity across the region.

San Diego's future is being built today and it takes a community to grow it. Join the TL Foundation as a donor, partner or supporter and be part of a movement supporting innovation, opportunity and economic growth for future generations. Learn more at https://www.tlfund.org
Stay updated by signing up at https://tlfund.org/contact/

Learn more about Connect's Cool Companies program: https://connect.org/cool-companies