Organizational Leadership

NewSchools Venture Fund

NewSchools was founded in 1998 by social entrepreneur Kim Smith and venture capitalists John Doerr and Brook Byers who believe that change in public education could occur if schools had access to early-stage investment and strategic, hands-on support to start and grow their organizations. NewSchools identifies the most promising and innovative education entrepreneurs and helps them effectively accomplish their missions to achieve outstanding results for the children and educators they serve. Through investing, management assistance, network building, and thought leadership, NewSchools helps to reinvent K-12 education to help students graduate high school prepared and inspired to achieve their most ambitious dreams and plans. In the sixteen years since its’ founding, NewSchools has grown into a national presence, uniquely positioned to seek out and support the most promising innovations in public education.  Building on its strong legacy as a partner to education entrepreneurs, NewSchools’ defining vision for tomorrow is to redesign schools by rethinking time, talent, and technology so they work for every learner. In these schools, students build habits and skills that lead to academic and personal success. They take ownership and responsibility for their own learning and connect their academic work to their personal goals and aspirations. These rich learning environments nurture deep connections for students with their teachers and classmates.  Laura serves on the advisory board of New Schools Venture Fund.