TheGrio’s 100: Adriane Brown, improving the world by investing in intellectuals

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As president of Intellectual Ventures, a company that invests in inventors, Adriane Brown is in the business of innovation. Brown views her position as an opportunity to guide a big-impact business to improve the world by harnessing new technologies, from surgical implants that grow and change with their host to a laser-based mosquito repellent.

After rising the ranks at Corning Manufacturing from production-floor shift supervisor to VP of environmental products, Brown understands the importance of people at all levels from the concept people to the floor worker. Brown’s task is to unify these groups and optimize communication between the founders, employees, investors and inventors involved with IV. When asked how she intends to do so, the COO wryly answered — “a lot of meetings.”

Adriane Brown is making history … restoring the “Inventor” as a profession. By empowering individuals to dedicate their careers to fabrication, design and new ideas, Brown is effectively making technologies more efficient and profound. As she implements Intellectual Venture’s admirable aim to propel innovation, she’s also streamlining the company, proving that investing in creativity can reap major dividends in profit.

What’s next for Adriane?

Intellectual Ventures’ upcoming projects include the development of malaria-fighting technologies and economically sound, environmentally friendly nuclear reactors in the interest of alternative energy.

In her own words …

“I am thrilled to see for myself that we can help companies find a much more efficient path to their future technologies,” Brown told Seattle news site Xconomy, “and have inventors continue to invent because there is value that continues to be realized through technology companies.”

A favorite quote …

“The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs.” – Vance Havner

A little-known fact …

Brown serves as board of directors of Jobs for America’s Graduates, the largest high school dropout prevention program, particularly important with the nation’s unemployment rate near 10 percent.

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