Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK) is a global venture philanthropy firm that finds, funds, and supports early-stage social impact organizations solving the world's biggest social and environmental problems. Founded by William H. Draper III and Robin Richards Donohoe, who began investing together in the venture industry in 1994, the foundation was formally established in 2002 with a $14 million fund.
DRK's core competency is identifying exceptional social entrepreneurs and supporting them intensely through a rigorous 3-year period with unrestricted capital and comprehensive support. This model enables their portfolio organizations to absorb catalytic and transformative capital downstream, helping them scale their impact effectively. The foundation has invested in more than 280 early-stage ventures and brings a venture capital legacy to the social sector.
DRK invests in early-stage, high-impact social enterprises led by transformational entrepreneurs tackling society's most complex problems. The foundation provides unrestricted capital combined with intensive support over a rigorous 3-year period, enabling organizations to build capacity and prepare for downstream capital.
Their venture philanthropy model applies venture capital principles to social impact investing, focusing on finding exceptional organizations at the early stage and supporting them through critical growth phases.
Unrestricted Capital
DRK provides flexible, unrestricted funding that allows social entrepreneurs to allocate resources where they're needed most during critical early-stage growth.
Intensive 3-Year Support
Organizations receive rigorous support over a structured 3-year period, helping them build capacity and prepare for transformative downstream capital.
Venture Capital Expertise
Benefit from decades of venture capital experience applied to social impact, with founders who have invested in over 280 early-stage ventures.
Global Network
Access to a global network of donor partners, portfolio organizations, and resources that amplify impact and create collaboration opportunities.
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