Imaginable Futures logo

Imaginable Futures

North America, California, United States, Redwood City

Description

Imaginable Futures is a global philanthropic investment firm dedicated to unlocking human potential through learning. Spun out from the Omidyar Network in 2020, it launched with a significant initial commitment of $200 million from its founding organization. This substantial capital base underscores its long-term vision and capacity to drive systemic change in education worldwide. The firm operates with a unique hybrid model, deploying both philanthropic grants and impact-first investments to support innovative solutions across the learning ecosystem.

The firm's investment thesis centers on the belief that learning is fundamental to human flourishing and societal progress. Imaginable Futures focuses on critical areas within education, including early childhood development, K-12 education, postsecondary and workforce training, and lifelong learning initiatives. Its global footprint is notable, with active investments and partnerships spanning Africa, Latin America, Europe, India, and the United States. This broad geographical reach reflects its commitment to addressing diverse educational challenges and opportunities across different contexts.

Imaginable Futures typically engages with entrepreneurs and organizations at various stages, from early-stage ventures to more established growth companies. For initial engagements, the firm's typical check sizes range from $250,000 to $5 million, though it has the capacity to deploy larger amounts for later-stage opportunities that align with its strategic objectives. As an impact-first investor, Imaginable Futures prioritizes social and educational outcomes alongside financial sustainability, often taking a patient capital approach to foster long-term growth and systemic impact rather than short-term returns.

Beyond capital deployment, Imaginable Futures actively supports its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, network connections, and advocacy, aiming to amplify their impact. Its philanthropic roots allow it to take calculated risks on innovative models that might be overlooked by traditional venture capital, thereby fostering a more equitable and effective global learning landscape. The firm's commitment to leveraging learning as a catalyst for human potential positions it as a distinctive and influential player in the global impact investing space.

Investor Profile

Imaginable Futures has backed more than 57 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 4% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Grant, Series B, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Brazil, Kenya.
  • Strong thematic focus on Non Profit, Education, Communities.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Grant (81%)
  • Series B (5%)
  • Series A (5%)
  • Seed (5%)
  • Series D (2%)
  • Series C (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (46%)
  • Brazil (30%)
  • Kenya (9%)
  • South Africa (7%)
  • Argentina (4%)
  • United Kingdom (2%)
  • Mauritius (2%)
  • Colombia (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Non Profit
  • Education
  • Communities
  • Training
  • Higher Education
  • Health Care
  • Edtech
  • Social Network
  • Financial Services
  • Social Impact
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Imaginable Futures frequently co-invest with?

Gaingels
North America, Vermont, United States, Burlington
Co-Investments: 2
SoftBank
Asia, Chiba, Japan, Minato
Co-Investments: 2
Emerson Collective
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 3
4S Bay Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Highland Park
Co-Investments: 2
JV
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 2
American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
North America, Wisconsin, United States, Madison
Co-Investments: 2
Kapor Capital
North America, California, United States, Oakland
Co-Investments: 2
Initialized Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Newtype Ventures
North America, Texas, United States, Austin
Co-Investments: 2
Bezos Family Foundation
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Imaginable Futures often collaborate with?

AP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
BD
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
JH
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
BK
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
KL
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
IA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AY
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
NC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
JA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
JB
North America, Georgia, United States, Atlanta
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Imaginable Futures?

LIFT

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

LIFT is a national nonprofit that empowers families to break the cycle of poverty.

CommunitiesFamilyNon Profit
GrantJun 9, 2023
Amount Raised: $500,000
California Competes

Oakland, California, United States

California Competes is a nonpartisan policy and research organization for critical higher education and workforce issues

Consumer ResearchHigher EducationLaw EnforcementSocial Impact
GrantJan 1, 2023
American Council on Education

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

American Council on Educations, a higher education association, represents the presidents of accredited, degree-granting institutions.

CommunitiesEducationGovernment
GrantJan 1, 2023
Centering Healthcare Institute

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Centering Healthcare Institute operates as a healthcare that specialized in patient self-care, healthcare system redesign etc.

Health CareHospitalNon Profit
GrantDec 8, 2022
Beam

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Beam, formerly known as Edquity, offers a college financial planning app for high school and college students.

EducationFinancial ServicesMobile AppsWealth Management
Series ANov 18, 2022
Amount Raised: $6,400,000
MathTalk

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

MathTalk inspires adults and kids, particularly those in economically-distressed communities, to enjoy math.

EducationHigher EducationSTEM Education
SeedOct 22, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,900,000
Fidu

Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina

Fidu develops an operating system enabling institutions to digitally handle everything from finances to school-wide announcements

Financial ServicesOperating Systems
SeedOct 11, 2022
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Baobab Fund

São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Baobab Fund is a social justice organization focused on mobilizing people and resources in service of racial equity

Non Profit
GrantJun 29, 2022
Malala Fund

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Malala Fund is working for a world where every girl can learn and lead.

Non Profit
GrantJun 22, 2022
The Maharishi Invincibility Institute

Johannesburg, NA - South Africa, South Africa

The Maharishi Invincibility Institute is a skills-to-work educational institution for high-quality, holistic education accessible to all.

Higher EducationNon Profit
GrantJun 16, 2022