
New Media Ventures
Description
New Media Ventures (NMV) is a distinctive venture capital and philanthropic organization based in San Francisco, dedicated to driving progressive social change through strategic investments. Operating as a national network of angel investors and VCs, NMV collaboratively backs innovative media and technology startups. Their unique model integrates traditional venture capital principles with a strong mission-driven approach, aiming to generate both financial returns and measurable societal impact by supporting ventures that build progressive power, shift cultural narratives, and strengthen democratic institutions.
The firm's investment thesis is centered on empowering early-stage companies that harness technology and media to address pressing societal challenges. This encompasses a broad spectrum of ventures, including those focused on civic engagement, digital organizing, journalistic innovation, and novel forms of storytelling designed to influence public discourse. NMV actively seeks out founders who are not only developing scalable businesses but are also deeply committed to advancing progressive values and contributing to a more equitable and just society.
Since its inception, New Media Ventures has demonstrated a substantial commitment to its mission, having invested over $75 million across more than 150 organizations. Their typical first check size ranges from $50,000 to $250,000, with an average initial investment of $100,000. This flexible investment approach enables them to support a diverse array of early-stage ventures, from nascent concepts to those with established traction. The firm remains a prominent force in the impact investing landscape, evidenced by their recent NMV Fund V, which successfully closed at $15 million in 2022, further enhancing their capacity to foster the next generation of progressive innovation.
Investor Profile
New Media Ventures has backed more than 56 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 22 rounds, about 39% of its total and boasts 5 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Grant, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada.
- Strong thematic focus on Non Profit, Software, Government.
- Typical check size: $50K – $250K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (80%)
- Grant (11%)
- Series Unknown (4%)
- Series A (2%)
- Pre Seed (2%)
- Convertible Note (2%)
Country Focus
- United States (82%)
- Canada (7%)
Industry Focus
- Non Profit
- Software
- Government
- Communities
- Information Technology
- Govtech
- Media And Entertainment
- Saas
- Digital Media
- Education
Frequently Asked Questions
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