Startup Cafe: UNICEF Global Office of Innovation
☕️ Startup Cafe: UNICEF Global Office of Innovation
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Thomas Davin, Global Director of the UNICEF Office of Innovation, to explore how UNICEF is deploying breakthrough technologies and catalytic capital to reshape the future for children everywhere.
From frontier tools like AI and blockchain to new models of open-source collaboration, UNICEF is not just reacting to global challenges—it’s inventing new systems to solve them. Under Thomas’s leadership, the Office of Innovation spans 190 countries and territories, co-creating with communities and technologists alike to accelerate solutions in climate resilience, digital education, public health, and more.
Together, we’ll explore:
UNICEF’s evolving role as a global innovation catalyst
The bold thesis behind the UNICEF Venture Fund, the first UN-backed vehicle investing in early-stage, open-source solutions
The organization’s unique portfolio approach to driving system-level change
How entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers can engage and contribute
This conversation offers fresh insight into where innovation and impact intersect—and why UNICEF is uniquely positioned to lead the way.
Entrepreneurs, Startups, Creatives, and Tech Enthusiasts join together to meet and connect with like-minded people, industry professionals, and investors while enjoying a nice cup of coffee at The KINN, a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs.
Agenda
8:45 - 9:45 am • Coffee and Socialize
9:45 - 10:30 am • Scheduled Experience
May 28th, 2025
GUEST: Thomas Davin
Director, UNICEF Office of Innovation
Thomas Davin was appointed the Director of the Office of Innovation in November 2020.
A passionate and results-focused executive with over 20 years of experience driving social change in the nonprofit sector, particularly in international development and crisis management settings.
In this role, Davin leads a team focused on supporting the development of global social goods and spotting innovations that offer transformational potential for children, from data science to AI, machine learning, blockchain, and product innovation.
He previously served as the UNICEF Thailand Representative and earlier as the UNICEF Representative in Algeria. He also worked as the Regional Chief of Disaster Preparedness, Resilience Building and Emergency Response for the Middle East and Northern Africa Region and as the Deputy Representative for UNICEF Djibouti.
Before joining UNICEF, Davin worked with UNHCR, OSCE, IRC, and a few community-based French NGOs in Kosovo, Romania, Burkina Faso, and France.
Davin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from Sciences Po Strasbourg, France. He is a French national.
He is married and has two young children.
🔗 UNICEF
HOST: Sean Watson
Managing Partner, Somerset Strategies
Sean Watson is the Managing Partner of Somerset Strategies, a strategy and advisory firm focused on mobilizing capital, coalitions, and narrative to accelerate transformative change. He also serves as Chief External Affairs Officer at Resilience Investments, directing institutional and philanthropic capital toward climate-stable housing and infrastructure. A strategic leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of policy, innovation, and social impact, Watson has worked with heads of state, Fortune 500 executives, NGO leaders, and technologists to advance systemic solutions in climate resilience, public affairs, and responsible technology.
He previously co-founded the social-good platform Questify and led the Innovation Partnership Program, a joint venture of Singularity University and XPRIZE that brought together C-suite executives from global companies to explore emerging technologies and launch cross-sector collaborations tackling global challenges.
Earlier in his career, he served on the 2008 Obama campaign and founded a public affairs firm whose clients included The Pew Charitable Trusts, leading national and regional campaigns on clean energy, ocean conservation, public lands, and education.
He is a dedicated distance runner, mindfulness practitioner, and lifelong student of purpose-driven leadership.
Watson holds a Master’s in International Business and Policy from Georgetown University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in European History and International Relations from Wesleyan University. He is a dual US–UK citizen based in Los Angeles.
Help us keep this event sustainable. Bring a reusable water bottle.
About The KINN
The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. Running tailored inner development and business accelerator programs for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top tier LA-based community of conscious entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors. If you're interested in learning more about KINN Membership please visit http://thekinn.co/apply
About Startup Coil
Networking for innovators to connect with like-minded individuals, startups, and entrepreneurs. startupcoil.com
About Nerds of LA
Join Nerds of LA—where LA’s most innovative minds collide! We’re building the ultimate network by connecting with other powerhouse groups in the area, expanding our reach across the city. If you’re ready to link up with founders, VCs, AI visionaries, and innovators shaping the future, this is the group you’ve been looking for.
Pick your platform and join the conversation with LA’s tech community. 🤝 🦾
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