The PennZone

IRVINE, Calif. - PennZone -- Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN), Southern California's longest-standing founder-first startup organization, proudly announces the appointment of Farrah N. Khan, former Mayor of Irvine, to its Board.

Khan made history as Irvine's first woman of color and first Muslim elected Mayor, where she championed small business growth, sustainability initiatives, and policies that helped cement Irvine's reputation as a hub for technology and entrepreneurial talent. Today, she continues to advance that mission as an Advisory Board Member of CerraCap Cares, the social impact arm of CerraCap Ventures, where she helps guide initiatives focused on health, education, and environmental innovation.

"TCVN is exactly the kind of community we need in Southern California — one that puts founders first, builds authentic connections, and opens doors that might otherwise stay closed," said Khan. "I'm excited to bring my experience in civic leadership and social impact to help TCVN expand its reach, drive inclusive growth, and make sure more underrepresented entrepreneurs get a real shot at success."

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As a TCVN board member, Khan will help shape the organization's future by growing its impact programs, broadening partnerships, and amplifying founder stories across the region. Her extensive public and private sector relationships will be instrumental in advancing TCVN's initiatives like PitchPolished™ and InvestorReady™, connecting early-stage startups to mentorship, non-dilutive funding opportunities, and pilot program pathways. Her unique blend of civic insight and social impact focus will also help guide TCVN's evolving programming, ensuring it continues to champion diverse founders and align innovation with meaningful community outcomes.

"Farrah's dedication to building ecosystems where everyone can thrive fits perfectly with our mission to help founders become fundable," said Tony Crisp, TCVN interim President. "We're thrilled to welcome her perspective and passion to the board."

About TCVN
Founded in 1984, Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN) is a nonprofit organization on a mission to helping early-stage entrepreneurs become fundable. Hosting signature events: PitchPolish™ workshops, InvestorReady™ workshops, Survivor™ pitch event, Investor Dating Game™, Wingz™ become an angel investor program, and Rocky™ founders choice awards. TCVN's core values: founders first, relationships over transactions, and community over competition, guide everything it does. Join our mission and become a lifetime member at www.tcvn.org/join.

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TCVN is Proudly Sponsored by Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters. Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) operate across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities. Our Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice is a trusted partner for innovators at every stage of the venture life cycle, and we partner with founders, start-ups, and investors to help build the next generation of market leaders. Learn more at www.reedsmith.com