We believe that category-defining companies of the future will be largely “mission driven” with societal impact as a core pillar of company culture. Our mission is to catalyze societal impact for venture backed companies and to bridge the divide between catalytic philanthropy and the innovation economy.
Rise Together Ventures is a next generation venture franchise that is pioneering a novel and integrated approach to venture philanthropy and venture capital investing. We invest in high-growth, for-profit companies led by mission-driven founders; and we empower these entrepreneurs to catalyze social impact within the culture of their companies by providing them with philanthropic capital in parallel with an equity investment (which we call “Philanthropic Mirroring”).
We began testing our model in mid 2021 and to date, our novel investment strategy has earned us allocations in oversubscribed financings where we have invested alongside top-tier firms such as a16z, Founders Fund, Softbank, Summit Partners, Shasta Ventures, and MSD Capital. We have found that both founders and investors are willing to carve out allocations for us based on the strategic value and social capital that comes with our Philanthropic Mirroring capability (see end of document for two recent examples).
The vision for Rise Together Ventures, and our Philanthropic Mirroring framework, was born out of the unique perspective and backgrounds of our two founding GPs. Both partners have had significant experience in philanthropy, venture capital, and startup operations. On the venture capital front, we have built thematically focused venture funds, invested in venture funds, founded companies, and have played operating roles in venture backed companies. Collectively, we manage a portfolio of 60+ direct investments and 10+ LP positions. On the philanthropic front, we have managed family foundations, served on non-profit boards, founded a non-profit and foundation, and are active partners in some of the largest and most innovative global philanthropic communities.
We are positioned at the intersection of a number of converging trends and we are prioritizing partnership in an effort to capture and scale social and financial alpha.
- We are entering a new period of innovation with respect to the structure and composition of venture capital, where new entrants and novel capital models are starting to disrupt the innovation landscape.
- There is a generational shift of both private and institutional investors who are seeking to engage in some form of ‘impact’ investing, while simultaneously searching for philanthropic strategies that can replicate the discipline, innovation and impact of their investment strategies. In short, the for-profit and nonprofit capital markets are converging.
- There is a growing demand for companies of all sizes and stages, not just corporations, to give back to society and refine their approach to Corporate Social Responsibility. Beyond the demands of public perception, enterprises are being challenged to attract a new generation of talent that is demanding meaningful work, with purpose beyond themselves.
Our commitment to bridge the gap between catalytic philanthropy and venture capital is driven by our belief that capitalistic innovation is the most powerful engine for mutual benefit and societal impact, and we seek to champion the idea that “doing well by doing good” is the best approach to value creation. Rise Together Ventures will connect, and mutually leverage, for-profit and nonprofit pools of capital – with the ultimate goal of creating outsized financial and social returns.
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FAQ with commonly asked questions regarding the Philanthropic Mirroring concept:
What is a Philanthropic Mirror (PM)?
A Philanthropic Mirror is a pool of philanthropic capital that is allocated alongside an equity investment in a for-profit company and strategically and collaboratively deployed on behalf of said company.
What is the purpose of a Philanthropic Mirror?
The purpose of a Philanthropic Mirror is to amplify the social impact initiatives and capabilities of a for-profit company by leveraging the power of catalytic philanthropy and its ability to strengthen corporate culture and social impact.
What can I use my Philanthropic Mirroring budget for (and what can I not)?
The PM budget needs to be deployed in collaboration with a public charity or foundation and is most strategically valuable when deployed in strategic or thematic alignment with the company’s mission. We work alongside our portfolio companies to decide the best use of the philanthropic capital and we can get creative on how to deliver the best outcome. In some cases, it will be a donation to a mission-aligned nonprofit; in other cases, it will be a bespoke in-house initiative that we co-create.
Do you take equity from the company from this philanthropic investment?
We take equity in exchange for the investment from our venture fund, however the philanthropic capital is deployed separately and does not impact the balance sheet or cap table of the company.
Is there a timeline for when a company needs to utilize my Philanthropic Mirroring budget?
No. It is evergreen, and many companies will in fact not want to deploy it right away.
When is the best time to use the Philanthropic Mirroring budget?
It varies by company; some companies may deploy it in association with an upcoming fundraise announcement, and others may deploy it in conjunction with a marketing campaign, while others may deploy it as part of a new product or service launch.
Do I need to use my whole budget for only one impact initiative, or can I fund multiple initiatives?
You can use it for multiple initiatives, and at different times.
How much time does a founder or company need to dedicate to deploying the PM budget?
We aim to keep the time commitment to a minimum, and engage the company/founders as much or as little as they desire. We have a vast network in philanthropy and broad experience with non-profits, so we can offer close guidance throughout our entire relationship.
What are some examples of Philanthropic Mirroring that you’ve completed with other portfolio companies?
- Example 1: Formative. Series A investment in a for-profit edtech company; philanthropic mirror is building and seeding a teacher fast-grant program for their teacher community to empower these educators to continue to innovate in the classroom.
- Example 2: Flexport. Series E investment in a for-profit digital logistics company; philanthropic mirror is a donation to a foundation that delivers aid to disaster areas as well as helps companies limit their carbon emissions.
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Contact Info:
Kasey Lundquist Reiter, General Partner, Rise Together Ventures
Taylor Adams, General Partner, Rise Together Ventures
Originally posted on airteam.com.
The Environmental Defenders Office apply legal expertise to defend Australia’s wildlife, people and places. They have a solid track record for taking landmark environmental cases to the courts, and winning.
In 2021, representing survivors of the 2019-2020 bushfires, EDO successfully prosecuted the case that the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a duty of care to take serious action on emissions and climate change.
It was the first time that an Australian Court had ordered any government to take meaningful action on climate change.
As an accredited community legal service, in addition to public interest litigation, their work also includes designing and advocating for stronger state and federal environmental laws; providing legal and scientific advice, workshops, factsheets and other legal tools to help Australians participate in the legal process.
We are very proud to be able to support EDO by pledging 1% of Airteam’s annual profits to help fund their important work.
Originally posted on edisonbio.com
EDISON BIO is proud to announce that it is joining the Pledge 1% movement, promising to commit 1% of employee working time, company equity, and product toward achieving positive change in both our local and global communities. Alongside the thousands of other partners of Pledge 1%, EDISON BIO will contribute to the half a billion dollars given to charitable efforts around the world each year.
Our Mission
As a company dedicated to expanding the potential health and well-being of others, EDISON BIO is passionate about investing in social good and giving back to those in need.
While our goal is to shape the future of healthcare to empower individuals to take control of their own longevity and performance, we recognize that not everyone has the same opportunity to invest in their health. Because of this, EDISON BIO is committed to helping those who lack the resources to take care of their physical and mental health.
Our Partnerships
Every year, almost six million children die around the world from preventable diseases before they reach the age of five. In an effort to help prevent these unnecessary tragedies, EDISON BIO has aligned itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goal #3, Good Health and Well-Being.
This goal is intended to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people through funding health systems, improving sanitation, and expanding access to physicians. To help achieve this goal, EDISON BIO supports the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life program—a grassroots advocacy campaign that provides children in need with life saving vaccinations—with every new Member that joins our company. EDISON BIO is committed to expanding the health potential of all people and we will continue to align ourselves with organizations who share in this mission.
1% Pledge
EDISON BIO is excited to expand its efforts of helping those in need through its 1% Pledge. We are proud to be joining more than 10,000 corporations who are actively leveraging their resources to inspire, educate, and empower others all across the globe. More information about the incredible impacts that are being accomplished through Pledge 1% can be found at https://pledge1percent.org.
About EDISON BIO
Most of us worry about our health. EDISON BIO advanced, comprehensive, and convenient health screening uncovers hidden disease and health challenges early. You’ll be confident about your health and primed to perform at your highest potential.
You’re invited to join the next APAC timezone-friendly Pledge 1% Member Event being delivered in partnership with Atlassian
You’ve Pledged 1% — now how do you know you’re making a difference?
In this workshop, the team from Centre for Evidence and Implementation will help you prepare to take the next step in your pledge by showcasing how donors can use evidence to accelerate their learning and make the most impact. You’ll learn about evidence, theories of change and monitoring and evaluation.
Speakers
- Maryanna Abdo, Managing Director, CEI
- Vanessa Rose, PhD, Director, CEI
View Event Page: https://demystifyingevidence.splashthat.com/
Join Atlassian and other APAC Pledge 1% members to hear about what “Hot Topics” you’d like to learn more about, or collaborate on in 2022. As we look ahead to the new year, help us set a calendar of APAC timezone-friendly catch-ups where we’ll discuss issues that are important to you.
Atlassian Program Manager Mauli Ryan will lead the workshop helping us to decide what topics we should explore together in 2022.
We’ve already started the conversation, in the Pledge 1% Member Community. If you can take a moment to contribute – we’ll be using the responses in the workshop. Even if you can’t make the workshop, please add your thoughts to the blog and we’ll be sure to discuss them.
View Event Page: https://apachottopicsinphilanthropy.splashthat.com/
In October, 2021, Pledge 1% launched the Pledge 1% Community to create a space for members to connect with tools and resources, as well as each other, in an effort to build and amplify their social impact programs! This resource aims to be the go-to place for members to connect, share experiences and best practices, find collaborative opportunity, and access a growing repository of resources meant to enable social impact teams of various sizes, serving various company sizes/stages/locations. We believe this community will be a significant value-added tool for our members! Read more to get acquainted with the benefits of registering an account and becoming an integrated part of this exclusive community!
ACCESS PLAYBOOKS
The Pledge 1% Team has developed playbooks that address a variety of topics in creating and amplifying social impact programs. From GAIN VALUABLE INSIGHTS FROM YOUR PEERS
Registered users of the Pledge 1% Community are able to post and comment on discussion threads within the Social Impact Forum. This forum (and future forums to come) is one of the most distinctly valuable areas of the site. At your fingertips, you can connect with members from across the globe, representing the over 15,000 members of the Pledge 1% movement. Whatever questions, challenges, opportunities you see within your own social impact programs are likely to be shared by your peers and by engaging with these discussion forums, you can gain valuable insights to help drive your program forward.
BECOME A THOUGHT LEADER
Whether it’s through engaging with the Pledge 1% Community discussion forums, engaging with our blogs or participating in events, or sharing your own story in our Member Projects, the community offers registered users the opportunity to position themselves as thought leaders within the Pledge 1% movement. As momentum grows around global social impact, active users within the Pledge 1% Community will become the thought leaders helping new members grow their own programs, much like Atlassian’s @LaurenBlack who shared this member project post:
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN THE COMMUNITY
As news users register and as the Pledge 1% Community grows, dedicated discussion forums will be added as we see topic trends emerge within the site! We are excited to lead and grow this resource with our members to amplify global social impact in pursuit of advancing the Pledge 1% movement. Take advantage of all of these additional resources by officially joining the community today!
Have questions or need assistance getting registered? Contact support@pledge1percent.org and a member of the community team will be happy to assist you!
Content marketing company plans to build a “category-defining” organization and enhance social impact initiatives
MIAMI, Oct. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Rock Content, a global leader in content marketing solutions, today announced a $30 million Series B funding round. After two acquisitions in the past two years, the company aims to consolidate its position as a global leader in the content space.
The funding round was led by existing investors, Unbox Capital with the participation of Provence Capital, and joined by new players: BTG High Growth Opportunities Fund, and Crescera Capital.
“Rock Content has the ability to operate in a wide range of markets, and within different cultures. This ability, in combination with its unique product innovation capability, places them in a privileged position to lead content marketing strategies for brands around the world,” said Unbox Capital’s Founder Patricia Moraes.
With the new investments, the company will continue investing in marketing, sales, and product innovation and evolving its content marketing solutions to empower brands to scale through content.
“We believe that content delivers superior results for brands and a better experience to consumers. Content is a more human-marketing channel impacting positively the experience of every individual with the brands,” said Rock Content’s CEO Diego Gomes.
Gomes said that the current content market is a fragmented space which is why the company aims to build a “category-defining” organization.
“This is why the Series B is an important milestone: we can achieve our goal to define the future of the content industry and become the best partner for marketers that are looking for ways to grow.”
As a pioneer in content marketing, the company determined that its initial challenge was to educate brands about the value of content. Now, as many brands have a diverse content strategy, the challenge is for customers to become content-centric enterprises.
“These brands are facing challenges integrating content at the core of their marketing strategies, an overload of vendors, and an ever-growing Martech stack. We make it easy on them. At Rock Content, we pride ourselves in offering a true solution approach to help navigate these challenges and become their best marketing channel,” explained Gomes.
Since the 2019 acquisition of ScribbleLive, Rock Content has positioned itself to actively evaluate potential acquisition targets in order to increase the breadth of its product suite.
GLOBAL AND LOCAL
Founded in 2013, today Rock Content has more than 2,000 customers worldwide, with a strong footprint in the Americas. The company believes that, although content marketing is a global discipline, content has to be crafted locally. For this reason, it has specialized in supporting global brands with a strong focus on the US, Mexico, and Brazil.
The company’s global product line covers the whole lifecycle of content for digital marketers and is revered as a one-stop shop for CMOs. Its solutions include: Visually, a freelance marketplace for content creation; Stage, a Content Management System (CMS) platform for creation and publishing of content hubs; and Ion, an interactive content platform.
Rock Content’s products are augmented by a world-class professional services team, and an ecosystem of more than 400 partner agencies and 80Kcreative professionals in a global talent network. Among customers, there are enterprise-level brands such LinkedIn, Dell, Spotify, Oracle, DHL, and Salesforce.
SOCIAL IMPACT COMMITMENT
The new funding round will also help Rock Content to improve its social impact initiatives, according to Gomes. The company joined Pledge 1% and reserved 1% of shares to support and finance impact-related projects, coordinated by its social impact arm, Rock.org.
As part of Pledge 1%, Rock Content committed to donating 1% of the time, offering the employees the opportunity to volunteer; 1% of product, with the donation of coursework and education platforms to vulnerable groups; and 1% of the company shares to finance projects.
Since 2019, the company has supported 56,640 students and provided 7,251 volunteering hours for pro-bono projects to help socially and economically underrepresented groups such as women, the Black community, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
About Rock Content
Rock Content is a global leader in content marketing that designs inventive solutions that allow brands to offer premium content experiences to their online audience. Its workforce of 500 employees and 80,000 content freelancers fuel the strategies of 2,500 customers around the world, including enterprise-level brands such as Oracle, FedEx, DHL, and Pitney Bowes.
The company combines resourceful SaaS platforms and a global network of creative professionals to help its clients generate more revenues and brand awareness.
To learn more about Rock Content solutions for marketers, please go to https://rockcontent.com
Media Contact:
Rodrigo Martins, Rock Content
press@rockcontent.com
On the 25th & 26th of October, we celebrated reaching this milestone with our Pledge 1% Boardroom Allies, who were featured on the Nasdaq Tower. Scroll down below to see some of the day’s highlights!
Working closely with Boardroom Allies to help top companies set aside equity for social impact prior to liquidity events, Pledge 1% has doubled the $1 billion equity impact announced just four months ago, ensuring proceeds from a record-setting summer of IPO and market activity are earmarked for philanthropy. Pledge 1% ensures nonprofits benefit along with private markets, and is well on its way toward a goal of unlocking $5 billion in new philanthropy by 2025.
This momentum builds on more than $1 billion in philanthropy previously ignited by Pledge 1% industry leaders. Formalizing how executives and their teams can easily join the movement has dramatically accelerated impact. To learn more about the Boardroom Allies who helped us achieve this milestone achievement, click here to read the official press release.
Check out some of the day’s highlights and watch the reel below!
Richard Wong and Andrew Braccia of Accel
Ron Conway of SV Angel
Seth Levine, Ryan McIntyre and Brad Feld of Foundry Group
Pledge Expands Study.com Impact Efforts focused on Education
Originally published on PR Newswire.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Study.com announced today that it has joined Pledge 1%, a corporate philanthropy movement dedicated to making the community a key stakeholder in every business. Pledge 1% continues the company’s commitment to Making Education Accessible through social impact programs focused on increasing access and equity in education for underserved learners, non-traditional students, and educators.
“From day one, our founders believed that companies should positively contribute to society and set out with a mission to make education accessible,” said Dana Bryson, SVP Social Impact at Study.com. “Pledge 1% further solidifies this commitment to empowering learners to overcome obstacles in seeking education.”
Study.com has donated $23 million in-kind value across social impact programs, including millions to help schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pledge 1% aims to expand on the company’s previous social impact initiatives, which include:
- The Working Scholars program offers a bachelor’s degree pathway for adult learners to start or finish their degree without any financial burden or debt. Over 100 graduates have benefitted from the program, which currently serves communities in California and provides students with academic advisors, degree mapping, transfer assistance, and success counseling.
- Through the company’s partnership with DonorsChoose, Study.com has donated subscriptions to hundreds of educators and provided online learning access for 40,000 students, primarily from Title I schools.
- To promote teacher diversity, Study.com partnered with the California Center on Teaching Careers. The program serves four colleges and 16 school districts across primarily rural California and provided access to Study.com’s CSET test prep courses for 67 pre-service teachers.
- Study.com partners with the Oregon Youth Authority providing opportunities for system-involved youth to prepare for college credit-granting exams.
“Bringing together Study.com’s non-profit, industry, and community partners to help drive access and equitable outcomes in education will continue to be a focus of our social impact efforts under Pledge 1%,” continued Bryson. “The programs we offer support a wide range of people. In every instance, the support we provide taps into the power of our microlearning and video-based platform to meet each learner where they are and support them in achieving their goals.”
About Study.com
Study.com is an online education platform that helps learners excel academically and build knowledge confidence. From test prep and homework help to earning affordable college credit, Study.com’s online courses, short, animated video lessons and study tools have made learning simple for over 30 million learners and educators. Study.com was founded in 2002 and is a privately-held company located in Mountain View, Calif. Find us online at Study.com or download the mobile app from the iOS app store or Google Play.
About Pledge 1%
Pledge 1% is an effort spearheaded by Atlassian, Rally, Salesforce and Tides to accelerate their shared vision around integrating philanthropy into businesses around the world. Pledge 1% encourages and challenges individuals and companies to pledge 1% of equity, product and employee time for their communities, because pledging a small portion of future success can have a huge impact on tomorrow. Pledge 1% offers companies turnkey tools and best practices, making it accessible for any company to incorporate philanthropy into their business model. To learn more or to take the pledge, please visit www.pledge1percent.org.