Ed Tech

ABC Impact is a Singapore-based private equity impact fund focused on scaling companies that deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes across Asia. Backed by Temasek Holdings, the firm invests in growth-stage businesses across sectors like financial inclusion, healthcare, education, and climate, with a disciplined approach to both impact measurement and financial returns.

Accelerating Asia Ventures is the leading early-stage venture capital accelerator in Southeast Asia and South Asia, focusing specifically on pre-Series A startups. They operate as both an accelerator and VC fund, targeting high-potential founders with real traction and grit who may not have traditional backgrounds but demonstrate strong business fundamentals. Their mission centers on investing in the region's best pre-Series A startups by providing capital, credibility, and hands-on partnership to help founders reach the next level. Licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, they fill a crucial gap in the funding ecosystem by focusing on startups that are 6-18 months away from institutional funding - companies with robust products at early stages of customer traction that are often overlooked by other investors. Accelerating Asia serves as a catalyst for positive change by backing undiscovered entrepreneurs and providing investor partners with systematic access to innovation in Asia's most dynamic markets. They focus not just on financial returns but on profitability, growth, and impact, operating with the guiding belief that entrepreneurs are one of humanity's greatest catalysts for positive change.

Acumen is a venture philanthropy organization that invests in visionary entrepreneurs building transformational companies from seed to scale. They focus on funding bold entrepreneurs who are creating inclusive solutions across sectors like sustainable agriculture, quality education, renewable energy, healthy communities, dignified jobs, and gender equality. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through patient capital investments in high-innovation, high-impact enterprises. They operate by deploying philanthropic capital to shape markets and support entrepreneurs who are addressing the world's toughest poverty-related challenges, investing where traditional funders won't. Acumen Ventures has established itself as a significant force in the impact investing ecosystem since 2001, with an A to Z directory of portfolio companies spanning over two decades. They matter because they've reinvented the rules of return, prioritizing impact alongside financial sustainability and helping to demonstrate that venture philanthropy can drive meaningful systemic change in underserved communities globally.

Ashoka is one of the world’s leading organizations supporting social entrepreneurs. Founded in 1980, Ashoka pioneered the concept of social entrepreneurship and has built a global network of changemakers working to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through its flagship Ashoka Fellows program, the organization identifies and supports high-impact entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a powerful global network. Ashoka’s broader mission is to create a world where everyone is a changemaker, embedding social innovation across education, business, and civil society.

The Atlassian Foundation brings together funding, people, and products from Atlassian to unleash the potential of social impact teams, with a particular focus on organizations changing lives through education. They contribute 1% of Atlassian's equity, profit, tools, and employee time to support nonprofits and social enterprises, offering 50-100% discounts on Atlassian apps and free support to qualifying organizations. Their mission is to unleash the potential of social impact teams, especially those focused on educational transformation, by taking a partner-centric approach that combines resources to drive impact. The Foundation operates on principles of building long-term partnerships, planning for scale, making fewer but bolder moves, and openly sharing their learnings with the broader impact community. The Foundation has made significant impact in the nonprofit ecosystem, having donated over $85 million and empowered more than 12,500 nonprofits worldwide with free or discounted tools. They co-founded the Pledge 1% movement, which encourages other businesses to commit resources to social good, amplifying their influence beyond their direct contributions and helping to establish a new approach to corporate philanthropy.

Bain Capital Double Impact is the impact investing strategy of Bain Capital, focused on building market-leading companies that deliver both strong financial returns and measurable social and environmental impact. The platform leverages Bain Capital’s global reach and sector expertise to scale businesses across healthcare, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The firm partners with management teams to drive operational improvements, expand market reach, and embed impact into core business strategy. Its approach combines rigorous private equity discipline with a commitment to long-term, responsible value creation.

The Barr Foundation is a Boston-based philanthropic organization focused on advancing climate solutions, arts and creativity, and educational opportunity. Founded by Amos Hostetter Jr. and Barbara Hostetter, the foundation supports nonprofits and initiatives that drive systemic change and strengthen communities, particularly in the Boston region. Through long-term partnerships and flexible funding, Barr Foundation backs organizations working on climate resilience, clean energy transition, public education, and cultural vibrancy. Its approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and scaling solutions that can deliver lasting impact.

Bloomberg Philanthropies is the philanthropic organization of Michael Bloomberg, focused on improving lives at scale across the globe. The foundation works across more than 150 countries, supporting initiatives in public health, climate, education, government innovation, and the arts. Its approach combines data-driven decision-making with deep partnerships across governments, nonprofits, and institutions. Bloomberg Philanthropies is known for backing large-scale, measurable programs that aim to deliver systemic change and improve outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Founded at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto in 2012, CDL has grown to operate 23 specialized streams and 17 locations globally across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. CDL Climate is one of the program's specialized streams, focused on supporting early-stage climate technology ventures. The program connects ambitious founders with experienced mentors who have pushed the boundaries of what's possible in their own businesses. Through an objectives-based mentorship model, CDL helps deep tech startups crowdsource feedback on their business strategies and build massively scalable products and services aimed at creating a sustainable world.

The Fool Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck move from financial stress to financial freedom. Born out of The Motley Fool community and based in Alexandria, Virginia, the foundation builds and scales solutions that help people save, grow financial knowledge, and strengthen resilience through life's challenges, advancing a mission of financial freedom for all.

Google.org is Google's philanthropic arm that connects nonprofits to funding and additional resources to aid underserved communities worldwide. The organization focuses on three key areas: Knowledge, Skills & Learning, Scientific Progress, and Stronger Communities, leveraging Google's innovation and technology to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone. The organization operates by providing funding, programs, and technical expertise to accelerate the missions of organizations around the globe. Google.org brings the best of Google's resources, research, and innovation to support initiatives that unlock AI's full potential to advance society and improve lives. Their approach combines direct funding with Google's technological capabilities and expertise. Google.org plays a significant role in the philanthropic ecosystem by bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and social impact. The organization matters because it represents one of the world's largest tech companies dedicating substantial resources to address society's biggest challenges, from reducing traffic congestion and tracking wildfires to expanding cybersecurity opportunities and supporting veterans' mental health.

Kapor Capital is an Oakland-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies that close gaps in access and opportunity for historically underserved communities. The firm backs founders building scalable businesses that improve outcomes across education, healthcare, financial services, workforce development, housing, food systems, and justice. Kapor Capital combines venture investing with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting entrepreneurs whose products and services create measurable social and economic impact while generating venture-scale returns.

LEGO Foundation is an independent Danish corporate foundation dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Established in 1986, the foundation supports initiatives that strengthen childhood through education, play, creativity, wellbeing, and child development. The LEGO Foundation works globally with educators, researchers, nonprofits, governments, and communities to improve learning opportunities for children, particularly those facing barriers related to poverty, disability, conflict, displacement, or unequal access to education. In addition to grantmaking, the foundation deploys impact investments that help scale innovative solutions supporting children and families.

Lumina Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation focused on expanding access to education and workforce training beyond high school. The foundation works to increase attainment of college degrees, industry certifications, and workforce credentials that create pathways to economic mobility, informed citizenship, and long-term prosperity. Lumina partners with education leaders, employers, policymakers, nonprofits, and community organizations to redesign learning systems, reduce barriers to postsecondary education, and improve equitable outcomes for students across the United States.

The MacArthur Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation focused on advancing a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world through grantmaking, impact investments, fellowships, and institutional support. The foundation funds creative individuals, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and mission-driven initiatives working across climate solutions, democracy, journalism, criminal justice reform, technology and society, global security, and community development. Known globally for the MacArthur Fellows Program, often referred to as the “Genius Grants,” the foundation combines long-term systems thinking with bold investments designed to address complex social and environmental challenges.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the largest philanthropic organization in the United States dedicated to supporting the arts, humanities, and higher education. Founded in 1969, the foundation funds institutions, artists, scholars, cultural organizations, and public initiatives that strengthen civic life, preserve cultural memory, and expand access to humanistic knowledge and creative expression. The foundation supports projects that advance social justice, public storytelling, historical understanding, cultural preservation, higher education innovation, and community-centered arts and humanities initiatives.

NextLadder Ventures is a time-bound initiative investing in transformative navigation technology (NavTech) so more Americans can reclaim their path to progress. Backed by Ballmer Group, Gates Foundation, John Overdeck, Stand Together, and Valhalla Foundation, NextLadder blends philanthropic and market capital to expand access to people-centered, tech-enabled solutions that help families overcome barriers to economic mobility. Over the next 15 years, the venture aims to empower millions of Americans to reach their potential by 2040.

Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) is a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides flexible financing, consulting, advocacy, and financial tools to help nonprofits build long-term financial resilience. Founded in 1980, NFF partners with nonprofit organizations, foundations, government agencies, and impact investors to strengthen communities through mission-aligned capital and financial expertise. NFF combines lending with strategic consulting, research, and sector advocacy to improve how nonprofits are financed. Its work spans affordable housing, education, healthcare, arts and culture, community development, climate resilience, and other mission-driven sectors across the United States.

Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm and impact organization focused on shaping a more equitable, inclusive, and human-centered digital future. Founded by Pierre Omidyar and Pam Omidyar, the organization invests in entrepreneurs, nonprofits, researchers, policymakers, and ecosystem builders working at the intersection of technology, governance, business, and culture. Omidyar Network supports initiatives that promote shared power, digital trust, responsible AI, economic inclusion, civic participation, and democratic resilience in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Reach Capital is a leading early-stage venture capital firm that has been backing visionary founders since 2015 across learning, health, and work sectors. The firm invests in entrepreneurs building technologies that expand access to opportunity and care, with a belief that when people can grow their skills, nurture relationships, maintain health, and find meaning in work, communities thrive. Reach Capital brings a distinctly 'liberal arts' approach to supporting founders, with team members having diverse backgrounds as former founders, operators, educators, designers, and writers. Impact is at the heart of their work, measuring success across three dimensions: access, scale, and quality to ensure solutions reduce barriers and deliver meaningful outcomes.

The Rockefeller Foundation is one of the world’s largest and most influential philanthropic organizations, focused on advancing human well-being through large-scale investments in energy access, food systems, health, economic opportunity, climate resilience, and emerging technologies. Founded in 1913, the foundation partners with governments, nonprofits, corporations, and local communities to tackle systemic global challenges through innovative finance, data, and technology-driven solutions. The foundation is known for making ambitious “big bets” aimed at improving the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in underserved and economically vulnerable communities.

Siegel Family Endowment is a philanthropic foundation focused on understanding and shaping the impact of technology on society. Founded by David Siegel, the organization funds research, nonprofits, civic initiatives, and community-driven innovation at the intersections of learning, work, infrastructure, and emerging technology. Using an inquiry-driven grantmaking approach inspired by the scientific method, Siegel Family Endowment supports organizations and researchers exploring how technology can strengthen equity, opportunity, and public-interest outcomes in rapidly changing social and economic systems.

The Smart Family Fund is a family-led philanthropic fund focused on supporting early-stage nonprofits and social entrepreneurs tackling meaningful social challenges. The fund provides first-time grants, mentorship, and strategic guidance to organizations that show strong potential for scalable impact but may not yet have the traction or data required to secure larger institutional funding. By acting as an early believer in emerging nonprofit leaders, the Smart Family Fund helps organizations validate programs, strengthen operations, and prepare for long-term growth and larger philanthropic partnerships.

Social Finance is a nonprofit impact investing and systems change organization that mobilizes capital to improve social outcomes and expand economic opportunity across the United States. Since 2011, Social Finance has pioneered innovative financing models that align public, private, and philanthropic capital around measurable results in workforce development, education, health, housing, and economic mobility. The organization develops impact-first investments, public sector financing solutions, workforce and education funding programs, and research initiatives that help underserved populations access better opportunities. Through outcomes-based financing and innovative capital structures, Social Finance works to address systemic barriers while ensuring accountability for results. Having mobilized more than $500 million in investments and collaborated with over 600 partners, Social Finance is widely recognized as a leader in social innovation, impact investing, and outcomes-driven finance. Its work spans all 50 U.S. states and includes partnerships with foundations, corporations, governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

The UNICEF Venture Fund is UNICEF’s innovation investment vehicle that provides equity-free funding and support to early-stage frontier technology startups in emerging markets. The fund invests in open source solutions that have the potential to improve outcomes for children and young people globally. Focused on technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, climate technology, digital public infrastructure, data systems, and emerging technologies, the fund backs entrepreneurs building scalable solutions in countries where UNICEF operates. Beyond funding, portfolio companies receive mentorship, technical assistance, and access to UNICEF’s global network of partners, experts, and country offices. A core differentiator of the UNICEF Venture Fund is its commitment to open source technology and Digital Public Goods, ensuring that innovations can be adapted, reused, and scaled to benefit communities worldwide. Since launching, the fund has supported startups across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and other emerging technology ecosystems.

Vodafone Foundation is an independent UK charity associated with Vodafone and principally funded by Vodafone Group Plc. The foundation reports more than 30 years of activity and is governed by a board of trustees. It connects Vodafone's charitable giving, technology, connectivity, employees, and market presence with specialist partners. Country-level Vodafone foundations and programs may be separate local entities, so this profile describes the group foundation rather than collapsing every national organization into one legal body. Its current strategy has three global challenges: digital learning and inclusion; tackling harm and abuse; and resilience and response in times of crisis. Programs include digital education for refugees and young people, digital confidence, technology supporting survivors of domestic abuse, maternal-health referral and transport systems, emergency communications, and crisis-response tools. Some support is cash, but much of the model is co-designed technology, connectivity, employee expertise, and long-term program delivery; these in-kind and operational contributions are not equivalent to grants. The foundation says it is not a traditional grant funder and does not respond to unsolicited funding requests. It instead builds long-term partnerships with shared responsibility for design, delivery, evaluation, and innovation. The reported goal of improving 300 million lives by 2025 is an organization-defined aggregate claim, not a count of grants or independently verified causal outcomes. No broadly applicable cheque range or open application route is published.

William T. Grant Foundation is a philanthropic foundation dedicated to supporting research that improves the lives of young people in the United States. The foundation funds rigorous studies focused on reducing inequality in youth outcomes and improving the use of research evidence in public policy, education, social services, and youth-serving systems. Through research grants, scholar programs, institutional partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, the foundation helps generate evidence that can inform policies and practices affecting young people ages 5 to 25.