A pioneer in motion-based renewable energy, Nigerian American scientist and venture capitalist Jessica O. Matthews has been pursuing the goal of clean power since she was a teenager. At 19, she invented the Soccket, a soccer ball that doubles as a generator, providing off-grid power in developing countries. After visiting a Syrian refugee camp, she created Pulse, a power-generating jump rope for girls who weren’t allowed to play soccer.
A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, Matthews founded and runs the global company Uncharted Power, which builds, owns and operates renewable power infrastructure. Matthews raised $7 million in venture capital money in 2016 and is listed on 11 patents and patents pending in energy generation, transmission and storage. A rare woman of color in tech VC, Matthews serves as chairwoman of the board of Harlem Tech Fund, her company’s nonprofit arm, which is dedicated to fostering education and career support in STEM, innovation and entrepreneurship for Harlem residents.
