Funding San Diego’s innovation ecosystem
for future generations.
TL Foundation is unique. It’s never been done before. We are San Diego’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit philanthropic venture fund, investing in the region’s brightest startups. All profits (100% of the carry) are returned and reinvested back into our community. We fuel innovation, jobs, and opportunity — while exponentially growing our philanthropic investment vehicle year over year. With a singular focus on making San Diego better for all.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The future of San Diego depends on an innovation economy that works for everyone.
Strong innovation economies will define future world-class cities. While the “economy” matters to all families, philanthropy rarely invests to create lasting impactful scale.
TL Foundation exists to change that.
Innovation creates the best jobs. Each innovation job generates 2.6 more. By fueling innovation, we turn individual success into shared community good—keeping opportunity, talent, and wealth growing locally for generations.
Our vision is a thriving, inclusive regional economy for all San Diegans. By investing and reinvesting here, we build lasting economic opportunity—forever.
A nonprofit evergreen venture fund where 100% of returns go back to the community.
Invest Locally
Early-stage funding for tech and life science startups in San Diego.
Grow Collectively
A powerful network of founders, mentors, and investors supports each company’s journey.
Give Back Forever
All returns are reinvested into the Foundation — fueling future generations of San Diego innovators.
OUR COMPANIES
Where Philanthropy Meets Innovation
The TL Foundation’s first investments are already fueling breakthroughs in biotech, AI and infrastructure — helping companies grow from local roots to global impact.
AI-driven finance platform transforming biopharma operations.
Using AI and 3D digital twins to build a better world.
Advancing gene therapy for life-threatening diseases.
Developing new cancer therapeutics with macrophage technology.
WHO WE ARE
Board of Directors & Team
The team consists of some of San Diego’s most established leaders. Experienced in investing, startups, tech and life sciences – the group’s collective network is second to none, and will be actively engaged to help our portfolio companies succeed.
We’re funding the best inclusive innovation ecosystem on the planet
The TL Foundation is more than a fund — it’s a community of visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists working together to make San Diego better for everyone.
We’ve already helped the region grow from a $1B to $5B venture market. Now we’re ensuring that success creates opportunity across every family, founder and neighborhood.
Inspired by Kate Sessions.
Growing the Future Together.
When Kate Sessions planted the first trees that transformed San Diego in 1892, she didn’t just change a landscape — she grew a legacy. Her vision still lives on in the lush parks, tree-lined streets, and vibrant green canopy that make our city more beautiful and livable today.
The TL Foundation carries that same spirit forward — planting the seeds of a thriving innovation ecosystem that grows stronger with every generation. Our regional economy is the soil that sustains our future. Through the Tree Lady Club, we’re uniting visionary leaders who care deeply about San Diego — cultivating growth, generosity, and a legacy of innovation for generations to come.
“Back then, few could have imagined that San Diego would become the lush, leafy city it is today. But all along, year after year, Katherine Olivia Sessions did.”
News & Updates
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Be part of San Diego’s next chapter.
Together, we can make San Diego the best place on earth to launch, grow, and give back.
Join us — as a donor, partner or friend — to keep our innovation ecosystem thriving for generations to come.
