One of the great promises of the Internet is that it provides for unprecedented access to data.  Whether that is data on government or corporate activity or research results and intermediate measurements.  By opening up that data so that entrepreneurs, developers, researchers can build on top of it (and hopefully contribute back to it) we can accelerate innovation in many fields.  I am therefore excited to see Sir Tim Berners-Lee creating the Open Data Institute and thrilled that Gavin Starks, the founder of USV portfolio company AMEE will be its CEO.  Gavin has long been a champion of open data which continues to inform AMEE’s approach to environmental measurement.  I look forward to seeing what Gavin will do in this new role and continuing to work together on the AMEE board.  Congratulations!