I just discovered two new sites, the first is TechStars which seems to be open to all comers, including those working on tech for development (but they specifically do not fund med device, however software platforms for mobile phones are fair game):

“Seed funding. TechStars fills the startup funding gap by providing just enough capital to get your idea off the ground. Your new company receives up to $18,000 in seed funding. TechStars fills the experience gap by bringing together the best and the brightest in one place and surrounding you with incredible proven mentors for the summer. With this much talent in one place you’ll get great advice on your product and strategy, thereby ensuring the best possible start for your new business.” More details here.

The second site is called Sharing What Works. The premise behind the site is great, however there is painfully little information on who they are, how they might be funded, what their background is, and whether they are a subsidiary of a larger organization. None of these things are bad, but for a site that is all about sharing what works it would be nice to have a bit more transparent information. For now it’s worth checking out and keeping an eye, here is their 60 second elevator pitch:

“Welcome to SharingWhatWorks.org, a new blog about what works in global health, development, and humanitarian aid. The idea behind this site is to create a forum for discussing what works (and does not work) in these distinct, but often interconnected, fields. While there are several other existing resources for evaluating what works there is a need for more synthesis and public debate…In addition to regular blog posts about recent studies, reports, and news, this blog will also feature a “What Works Wiki” that will enable readers to contribute to our knowledge base about what does and does not work in terms of interventions, evaluation/research methods, and new technologies.
– New York, NY, May 2009
mail (at) sharingwhatworks (dot) org”

Recent posts:
Evaluating the Evidence: Global Health

What does it mean for a program to “work”?

What Works Wiki