Deadline: 2 March 2020
NMV focuses on scalable solutions from diverse, mission-driven teams, and are especially eager to hear from startups that are:
- Shifting Power: Restoring power to citizens and communities requires bold vision and large-scale change. How can tech and media help?
- Building Movements: Together we are capable of amazing things. How can innovation accelerate movements for racial, gender, economic, and environmental justice?
- Changing Narratives: Stories inspire action and culture has the power to accelerate social change. What’s the next chapter for media and messaging? How can new voices change the way they see the world?
- Sparking Civic Engagement: To create the vibrant democracy they know is possible, they need everyone involved. How can technology help recruit and empower folks like never before – from voters to volunteers to candidates?
Funding Information
- $50k to $250k in funding. NMV typically makes investments in for-profits (most often via convertible notes) and give unrestricted grants to nonprofits.
- Coaching and virtual acceleration support led by, their Entrepreneur-in-Residence, 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.
Eligibility Criteria
New Media Ventures funds for-profits and nonprofits. They are looking for scalable solutions from diverse, mission-driven teams. They will consider funding a new project within an existing organization, as well as collaboration proposals from multiple organizations working together to build and scale a solution. The Innovation Fund is best suited for early-stage startups (pre-seed/seed stage) for which $50K to 250K in funding can make a meaningful difference.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by NMVs’ investment team. Shortlisted applicants then submit additional information on their work, such as impact, competition, and the plan for growth.
- Next, semi-finalists join an interview with NMV and an external investment committee – a diverse team of active investors and grantmakers, as well as experts in campaigns, civic engagement, media, technology and innovation. Finally, NMV conducts deep diligence on finalists and makes all final funding decisions.
- The full evaluation includes a review of your written applications, multiple interviews, conversations with your references, a review of your financial documents (current budget and forecast) as well as conversation with experts in your field, as relevant.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via given website.
For more information, visit https://www.newmediaventures.org/opencalls/2020