Computer Museum Attracts Sponsorship from USA
The Centre for Computing History has attracted sponsorship from across the Atlantic. Brad Feld, an early stage investor and serial entrepreneur, has made a surprise financial contribution to the museum's Cambridge relocation fund.
Colorado based Brad is one of the managing directors of Foundry Group, a venture capital firm focused on making investments in information technology, Internet and software companies across North America.
It was at a Business Springboard event in Cambridge that Brad first heard of the Centre for Computing History. Museum trustee, Jason Fitzpatrick delivered a short presentation on the major fund-raising initiative to finance the relocation and subsequent foundation of a world-class Cambridge Computer Museum. Brad Feld explains: "Jason's presentation provided a snapshot of what has been achieved so far and the short summary was enough to afford a fascinating insight into the vision behind the project and convince me that Cambridge is the obvious location for a stand alone museum of this nature. Cambridge has a very special place in the world of science and innovation; it has a superb track record of technological discovery and invention. "The USA has a first-class computer museum appropriately situated at Palo Alto in Silicon Valley. Cambridge is at the heart of Silicon Fen, the UK's, if not Europe's, leading technology cluster. The city has played – and continues to play - such a vital role in the history of computing. " Brad describes how as a teenager he bought an Apple II computer with 16K of RAM in 1978 with his Bar Mitzvah money and still clearly remembers his joy and excitement as he explored its capabilities. He continues: "Personal computers have had an extraordinary influence on the way we live and the way we view the world. "My passion is working alongside entrepreneurs to give birth to new technologies and to build those technologies into industry-leading companies. This initiative to establish a computer museum in Cambridge has caught my imagination and admiration. I am delighted to be able to help in terms of sponsorship!” Speaking on behalf of the Centre for Computing History, Jason Fitzpatrick stated: "We are deeply appreciative of Brad's generosity. It's so uplifting when individuals make personal contributions of this nature. We are grateful that they share our belief in this venture. "The story of the Information Age and of all the engineers, innovators, inventors and creative visionaries who made it happen is inspirational. The impact of Steve Jobs' death demonstrates how fascinated people - from all walks of life - are in the history of personal computing. Can you imagine the death of any other CEO attracting the multi-column, front page headlines Steve Jobs received? There is widespread public recognition that through technology these pioneers literally invented the 21st century. "‘Moving to Cambridge will allow our dreams and ambitions for the centre to be realised. Our goal is to create a world-class space with the size and scope for the serious exploration and celebration of personal computing. Multi-dimensional exhibitions will tell the inside story of the companies and the people behind them, their products, successes and failures, and consider what the coming decades may hold. It will also showcase Cambridge's role in influencing technology on a global scale. "The first step is to get into Cambridge. Brad's gift to the centre is a hugely generous investment in the future.” The campaign to relocate the museum from its temporary home in Suffolk has already attracted substantial sponsorship from a number of individuals and several high profile Cambridge tech businesses, including super-chip designer ARM Holdings, Microsoft Research and award winning Red Gate Software. Cambridge based entrepreneur and co-founder of Acorn Computers Dr Hermann Hauser has also taken an interest in the project stating: "It would be wonderful if a Computer Museum was opened in Cambridge to celebrate the many historic milestones Cambridge University and local companies have contributed to." Media Contact: Elaine Collins Gold PR Communications for CCH 01787 463256 / 01440 708494 elaine@goldpr.co.uk Story By: Elaine Collins Date : 28-10-2011 |
