Sep 29, 2017
Richard Franklin

The mission of the Cleantech Open is to “Find, Fund and Foster” Cleantech entrepreneurs around the world. To date, over 1,200 domestic start-ups have amassed $1.3 Billion in funding to launch their game changing clean technologies. Globally, the Cleantech Open works in conjunction with the UN and UNIDO to drive accelerator processes in multiple nations around the world.

Dick was co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Region, is a prolific fundraiser, provides C-Level strategic expertise and has been instructive in the inception and launch of additional new regions across the country. Recently, he has been contributing as Chairman Emeritus for Cleantech Open Global. He brings 35 years of C-level experience with corporations such as Reebok, Coors, Head, Cooper, Seven-Up, TCI and Nestle in both Canada and the USA. His expertise is in future visioning, leadership, marketing, strategic positioning, branding, business development, strategic sales, start-up commercialization and sustainable business modeling.

Among his many community and board activities are United Way, Children’s Museum, Audubon Society, Denver Chamber, Renewable Energy Taskforce, CORE, Earth Protect, the Colorado Clean Tech Industry Association, Clear Comfort Technologies and most recently, Safe Splash.

Dick earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia; a Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie University, Halifax and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce degree in 1999.

In 2008, the South Metro Chamber awarded him with the “Community Leader of the Year” award. In 2010, he was nominated for the “Governor’s Award for Cleantech Leadership.” In 2013, he received the “Father of the Year Award” from the American Diabetes Association and in 2014 he was awarded the Cleantech Leadership Award by the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association.

His wife D.A. is a medical doctor and his daughter Missy is a five time Olympic Gold Medalist, four times World Record Holder and nine times World Champion who is attending Cal Berkeley.