Paul Seed Fund Supports London’s Arts Community
Paul Seed Fund Supports London’s Arts Community
As a “one-time budding rock star,” StarTech.com Founder and CEO Paul Seed dreamed of a career in music. But life had other plans. After starting a successful business in the 80s, shortly following graduation from Western University, Paul realized that being an entrepreneur was his true calling.
Although his career focus shifted, his love of music and the arts remained. He still plays guitar, and says he is “always working to get better, taking lessons, and learning from professional musicians.”
“I built my career as an entrepreneur, but I truly admire those who make their living in the arts, who followed their hearts to do something they love. I know it can be very difficult to make a living in the arts; it’s a critical but often underappreciated part of our community.”
That’s why Paul decided to establish the Paul Seed Fund with London Community Foundation. The donor-advised fund focuses on providing support to people in the London arts community. “When budgets are tight, unfortunately, investment in the arts is one of the first things to get cut. This made me feel that it was the right time to start a fund like this.”
While Paul’s fund is new, giving back to the London community is not. He recently celebrated reaching a milestone of $4.5 million in cumulative donations to United Way Elgin Middlesex from StarTech.com employees and his personal contributions. The YMCA and London Health Sciences Centre are other organizations he has been proud to support as “they enhance our community in important but specific ways.”
Paul says that establishing a fund at London Community Foundation “offered a unique opportunity to provide direct support specifically for the arts.”
“I am particularly proud of this initiative as it will offer support to the London arts community, which often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves,” he says.
His hope in the Fund’s first year is to raise its awareness so that “people involved in the arts know they are appreciated and supported.” He also has a vision for the Paul Seed Fund long-term:
“The London arts scene has really flourished in recent years which is amazing to see. London’s recognition as Canada's first UNESCO City of Music in 2021 is a prime example. I hope that the Fund will help increase involvement in the wide range of artistic disciplines in London and ensure that local artists have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in our community.”