Stephen Torres ’07 has audacious goal: 5 million more homes going solar by 2018. He turned his vision into a bold solution when he started Sunible, a company to guide homeowners on the path toward using solar power. Today Sunible is growing, and Torres is paying forward his success with a pledge to support his alma mater.
“For me, Berkeley was the best thing ever — the professors helped me cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. And I wanted to give back.”
Torres joins nearly 200 graduates who have taken the Founders’ Pledge — a non- binding agreement by alumni working in the dynamic tech community in the Bay Area and beyond to make a meaningful gift to Berkeley if and when their startups become financially successful. In return, Berkeley helps members recruit the best talent by connecting them with current students; organizes networking events; and spotlights their achievements through social media, product showcases, and other opportunities to increase their visibility.
“For me, Berkeley was the best thing ever — the professors helped me cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. And I wanted to give back,” says Torres. “The Founders’ Pledge is a great way to invest in Berkeley, and the events bring tech leaders back to campus to hone their trade and make connections.”
Photo: Elena Zhukova
Those connections continue to serve Torres well. Sunible was recently acquired by Domino, a green-energy service group created by fellow alumnus Tom Dinwoodie ’91.
Since the Founders’ Pledge launched two years ago, its members have given about $1.5 million to Berkeley. They, too, gain a leg up toward success through the relationships that Berkeley helps facilitate — while building upon the spirit of innovation that is fundamental to our history.
