2010-2011 Skoll Scholar
Sean is a serial entrepreneur and social capital chemist. His dream is to transform finance and climate by restoring stewardship of the commons through regional energy independence and ecological restoration. Sean envisions a vibrant social capital sector built on communities as primary asset holders and beneficiaries, rather than global institutions or governments. Prior to attending Oxford, Sean served as Managing Director of Community Power Fund of Ontario, Canada, where he created scalable investment models for community and aboriginal owned renewable energy development.
Before CPF, through his Bay Area based firm, Om Ventures, Sean spent six years collaborating with innovators around the world on climate, food/water security, social finance and fair trade. As a Fellow of the Institute for Ecology and Economy in California, Sean worked on local energy independence and green economy transition for marginalized populations. He also worked with the U.S. State Department under Obama on public-private partnerships for low carbon growth in developing countries.
Sean began his career as an investment banker with Goldman Sachs NY in Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Finance, after graduating with distinction in economics from Cornell. He then helped develop the first pan-African investment fund, which later became Emerging Capital Partners, the first private equity group to raise more than $1 billion for African investment. Sean then launched forerunning social and environmental technology companies (for which he raised over $100 million) and an innovative educational foundation before forming Om in 2004.
Sean seeks outer work that compels inner work, and strives for creativity, compassion, laughter, love and challenge in all endeavors. He enjoys yoga, music, cooking, dancing, photography and golf…to all of which he invites company!
“Becoming a Skollar was a dream come true, and I’m thrilled to share it with such an amazing group. We’re sure to make a difference in style!”