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Help us build a thriving Orange County for all

OC can be a great place to live and work. Still, not everyone has full access to its opportunities. Working together, CEOs can close this gap – a root cause of OC’s most persistent social challenges.

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WHY FOCUS ON AN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM, TALENT, AND CAPITAL?
75% of projected job growth in Orange County is for jobs with wages of $60K or less
95% of Orange County venture capital funding comes from outside of Southern California
94% of OC based tech jobs require a bachelor’s degree, leaving out 60% of our population
Innovation regions across the country grow higher paying jobs 15x that of Orange County
⅓ of local STEM graduates leave the region based on year over year data
For every 1 innovation job, 5 more are created (compared to just 1.6 for non-innovation economies)
Women, Latino, and Black workers are underrepresented in the tech space in OC
Our Work

Creating a Premier Innovation Ecosystem Here in OC

Business-led. Speed to Impact. Access for all. 

To fuel OC economic growth, close gaps, and secure future prosperity for all our residents we are developing an innovation ecosystem – through a focus on talent and capital.

Explore TALENT Initiatives
OUR MEMBERS

Orange County CEOs actively engage in our network, and many make financial commitments to our CLAOC-led initiatives.

"Our institute relies on the best talent in the world to deliver the best cancer care in the world. With CLAOC’s integrated approach toward developing talent for the the future, Orange County will continue to be a rich source of talent."
Annette Walker
Annette WalkerPresident, City of Hope
“At Pacific Life, our people are our greatest asset, and cultivating top talent is essential to our long-term success. Our partnership with CLAOC has deepened our engagement with local students and strengthened our efforts to attract and retain top-tier talent in Orange County.”
Darryl Button
Darryl ButtonPresident and CEO, Pacific Life
“CLAOC plays a vital role in shaping Orange County’s talent ecosystem. As a trusted connector across business and community, they’re uniquely positioned to help design and drive the kind of systems change that keeps our region competitive and future-ready.”
Kim Letch
Kim LetchEY US Private Equity Sector Leader – Audit
"For an entrepreneur, Orange County is a great place to build a company. I’ve been able to hire young talent, create and innovate enterprise solutions, and enjoy a great quality of life."
Ike Kavas
Ike KavasFounder & CEO, Time Machine; Founder, Ephesoft
“CLAOC has developed deep relationships with premier Orange County employers, academic institutions, and community partners. The team is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap and connect us with the top up-and-coming talent that will lead our region."
Daveen Chopra
Daveen ChopraCorporate Vice President, Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Therapies, Edwards Lifesciences
"I’m very enthusiastic about the impact CLAOC is having on the development of the next generation of talent here in OC -- a critical issue the region must address. I’m impressed how both the OC Fellows program and Career Exploration Experiences have been widely successful in providing emerging talent, reflective of the diversity of OC, the much-needed exposure to local companies and jobs of the future."
Juliana Elstad
Juliana ElstadPresident, CEO and Board Member, Lytos Therapeutics
"Orange County is one of the best places in the country to launch a startup. I’m committed to working with CLAOC to build a successful innovation hub that brings talent and capital together."
Justin Li
Justin LiDirector, Deutsche Bank; Former CEO & President, Helio Genomics
"Broad involvement by the OC business community is helping more young people in OC dream big and achieve their aspirations as they live and work here."
Shlomi Nachman
Shlomi NachmanFormer Company Group Chairman, Cardiovascular & Specialty Solutions (CSS) Group and Johnson & Johnson Vision
CLAOC MEMBERS
OUR IMPACT

We’re changing the story here in OC

Our collective work connects more of our residents to higher-paying jobs, helps local businesses close their toughest talent gaps, keeps more top talent here in OC. This translates to greater access to financial prosperity for everyone in our region.

TALENT
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young adults engaged in career experiences with OC employers, building professional skills and networks.
CAPITAL
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SC Master Fund has mobilized $197.5 million across the Master Fund, SPVs, and direct VC investments, backed largely by SoCal investors and helping generate nearly 18,000 new jobs in the region.
TALENT
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early-career professionals participating as OC Fellows and alumni - 90% still work in OC.
OUR IMPACT

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