Deadline: February 9, 2018 11:59 GMT-0800
[Oops, the opportunity has already expired. Sign up to AlphaGamma weekly newsletters to stay ahead of the game] | Apply here
Eligibility: New Media Ventures typically funds for-profit and nonprofit technology and media startups. They will consider funding a new project within an existing organization as well. The Innovation Fund is best suited for early-stage startups (pre-seed/seed stage) for which $50-250K in funding can make a meaningful difference.

New Media Ventures Innovation Fund Open Call 2018

New Media Ventures is a seed fund and angel network investing in media and technology startups that support advocacy movements, create new narratives, and drive civic engagement.

The NMV Innovation Fund finances early-stage, for-profit and nonprofit startups with seed funding ($50-250K). Selected startups receive virtual acceleration support and have access to NMV’s network of angel investors for follow-on capital, connections, and advice.

Over the past 7 years, NMV has supported some of the fastest-growing social change startups – both for-profit and nonprofit – including Blavity, SwingLeft, SumOfUs and Vote.org.

Last year, Resist & Rebuild fund mobilized more than $4M to 17 amazing startups working to protect vulnerable populations, resist attacks on our democracy, and build tools and technology for campaigns. We can’t wait to see what’s next.

Shift the Story

Over the past year, we have seen alarming attacks on vulnerable communities and rising threats to democratic institutions, including the media.

Instead of giving in to outrage and overwhelm, organizations are working overtime, new voices are emerging, and a new generation of activists is on the move.

But if we are going to win on the issues, win hearts and minds, and win at the ballot box, we must do more.

We must ask ourselves, “how can we shift the story, shape an inspiring and inclusive narrative, and change the course of history?”

Applications selected for funding will receive the following

• $50k to $250k in funding. NMV typically makes investments in for-profits and give unrestricted grants to non-profits.
• Selected startups receive virtual acceleration support and introductions to NMV’s network of angel investors for follow-on capital, connections and advice
• The opportunity to participate in NMV’s Summit, a unique convening of funders, investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.

NMV is eager to support startups that are

Changing Hearts & Minds

We are living through an era of historic media disruption, with lasting implications for our personal, political, and civic lives.

Whether you’re focused on increasing empathy, strengthening journalism, shaping narratives, leveraging new content platforms, or developing tools for listening, analytics and amplification… we want to hear from you.

NMV is also eager to hear about new business models that reward quality and engagement, solutions that elevate new and diverse voices, and creative distribution strategies to ensure content reaches new audiences, beyond echo chambers.

Building Movements for the Future

Civic engagement is on the rise, and movements for justice are gaining traction across the US, but our technology and tools often remain stuck in the past.

Are you building technology or tools that mobilize citizens, make campaigns more efficient, or blend digital and grassroots organizing? NMV can’t wait to hear about your work.

They are especially interested in tools for distributed and networked movements, technology that helps coordinate volunteers, campaigns, and candidates, and innovations that facilitate conversations and decision-making.

Are you ready to take your project to the next level? Register your participation by following the application link and taking the suggested steps.

For more opportunities, check our opportunities sections and subscribe to our weekly newsletters.