New media has democratized and revolutionized political engagement. New Media Ventures was created to ensure progressives stay competitive. Our goal is to find and support innovative start-ups with game-changing potential.

What we are looking for?

We’re focused on early-stage political tech and new media startups (nonprofit and for-profit) that fit all three of our key criteria:

• Creates progressive political* change: Reaches key audiences and creates long-term change. Our focus is on tech innovation beyond any one-election cycle.

• Scales: Has the potential to grow rapidly and disrupt the status quo.
• Generates revenue: Uses organic revenue streams to generate income.

What makes a successful application?

• The most successful applications are beyond the idea phase. They identify a significant market opportunity, have a defendable competitive advantage and some evidence of traction with customers/key constituents.
• Startups that are teams rather than individuals.
• Organizations with a powerful theory of change.
• Technology solutions that can be deployed across various issues.
• Ventures that are net-native rather than tech initiatives from existing organizations.
• Startups that have a sustainable revenue model as NMV investors provide one-time seed investments not multi-year operating support.
• Opportunities where NMV’s investors can be catalytic and make a difference.

*What do we mean by political technology anyway?:

• Elections & Voting Systems
• Civic Engagement Tools
• Online Organizing
• New Media Content
• Mobile / Software

See our portfolio to see what our members have funded so far. We’re just getting started.

Our process

New Media Ventures functions as a matchmaker between progressive donors/investors and start-ups. The process begins when a start-up submits a business plan to us through our online application form. The New Media Ventures staff and advisory board, comprised of successful progressive entrepreneurs and investors, evaluate submitted plans and share a small number with the broader network of investors.

If a deal garners enough member interest, we will find a lead investor and move onto another round of due diligence and then funding. Typically, the total investment from New Media Ventures members will end up being around $100,000 in one-time seed capital.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. We will review each application, and will be in touch with applicants within a month of submission.