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New Media Ventures is a community of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs & philanthropists, investing together for progressive social change.
Key people at New Media Ventures.
New Media Ventures was founded in 2010 by Jeffrey Brunswick (Founder).
New Media Ventures is an investment organization funding media and technology startups focused on progressive social change. Its flexible fund structure supports both for-profit and nonprofit entities. The firm leverages media and AI innovation to foster civic engagement, influence narratives, and build movements aimed at shifting power dynamics.
Established in 2010, New Media Ventures emerged from a need to provide strategic capital for organizations at the intersection of media, technology, and progressive advocacy. This initiative, notably seeded by Voqal, recognized investment as a powerful mechanism for societal change, disrupting traditional political landscapes.
The organization primarily serves progressive startups, entrepreneurs, and activists building solutions to advance progressive power. It supports initiatives designed to create long-term political impact and drive systemic change. New Media Ventures envisions strategic investments in media and tech innovation leading to a more equitable society and fostering democratic participation.
New Media Ventures was founded in 2010 by Jeffrey Brunswick (Founder).
Key people at New Media Ventures.
New Media Ventures*Investing for Progressive Social Change*
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New Media Ventures (NMV) is a pioneering seed fund and national network of angel investors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists united by a mission to drive progressive social change through technology and media innovation. NMV invests in early-stage startups that disrupt political norms, strengthen democracy, and catalyze long-term societal transformation. Their investment philosophy centers on supporting scalable, revenue-generating ventures that combine mission-driven impact with sustainable business models—spanning for-profit, nonprofit, and political action organizations.
NMV’s focus sectors include responsible AI, media and content creation, advocacy platforms, digital organizing, civic engagement tools, and election technology. By backing startups at the intersection of tech, media, and politics, NMV has played a catalytic role in shaping the progressive startup ecosystem, helping to launch and scale organizations that are redefining how people engage with democracy and social justice.
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Founded in 2010, New Media Ventures emerged from a growing recognition that traditional media and political systems were failing to keep pace with the digital age. The organization was seeded by Voqal, a group founded by John Schwartz, a veteran of community radio and progressive media. Schwartz and his team saw an opportunity to leverage venture capital principles to support innovators tackling the most pressing challenges in democracy and social justice.
Over the years, NMV has evolved from a small group of angel investors into a national network of over 250 investors and aligned donors. The launch of its 501(c)(3) affiliate, New Rising Ventures, expanded NMV’s ability to support both for-profit and nonprofit ventures, enabling flexible funding and broader impact. NMV’s growth has been fueled by a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and a belief that investment can be a powerful lever for systemic change.
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NMV is riding the wave of a growing movement to use technology as a tool for civic engagement and social change. As digital platforms reshape how people access information, organize, and participate in democracy, NMV is at the forefront of funding the next generation of innovators. The timing is critical: with rising concerns about misinformation, corporate power, and political polarization, NMV’s focus on responsible AI, media, and civic tech is more relevant than ever.
NMV’s influence extends beyond its portfolio. By convening investors, entrepreneurs, and activists, NMV is helping to build a field of impact investing that bridges the gap between tech innovation and progressive values. Their work is shaping how capital flows to startups that are reimagining democracy and social justice in the digital age.
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New Media Ventures is poised to play an even greater role as the intersection of tech, media, and politics becomes increasingly central to social change. The rise of AI, the growing demand for trustworthy media, and the need for new models of civic engagement will continue to create opportunities for NMV’s portfolio companies. As the progressive movement seeks to adapt to a rapidly changing world, NMV’s flexible, mission-driven approach will be essential.
Looking ahead, NMV is likely to expand its network, deepen its focus on emerging technologies, and continue to champion startups that are building a more just and equitable future. Their story is a reminder that investment, when guided by values and a commitment to impact, can be a powerful force for progressive social change.