NMV

NMV deploys capital through an innovation fund that can invest flexibly across for-profit startups and nonprofit organizations. Its 501(c)(3) affiliate, New Rising Ventures, runs a parallel track focused on early-stage, nonpartisan entrepreneurs working on democracy innovation. This paired structure allows the firm to back mission-driven ventures regardless of their tax status.

New Rising Ventures is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of New Media Ventures. While NMV runs the primary innovation fund, NRV focuses specifically on nonpartisan entrepreneurs and activists building technology to strengthen democratic processes. The two entities share a common network and knowledge platform but operate with distinct capital pools suitable for their respective investment types.

NMV targets early-stage startups, specifically those that are beyond the idea phase and have begun to build a product or organization. The firm conducts open application processes for its innovation fund, seeking founders who combine media, technology, and civic impact with a clear path to implementation.

NMV emphasizes network access and shared knowledge as key components of its value-add. It convenes a cross-disciplinary network of policy experts, activists, technologists, and philanthropists and publishes tools for changemakers. Available sources do not confirm whether the firm routinely takes board seats or formal governance roles in portfolio organizations.

The firm concentrates on media startups, creator-economy tools, and Responsible AI ventures, all filtered through a civic impact lens. Portfolio examples include the Data Nutrition Project (AI dataset transparency) and Sister District (political volunteer mobilization). The unifying theme is technology that addresses structural challenges in democracy and public discourse.

NMV is not a family office. It operates as an asset manager running an innovation fund that blends venture capital with nonprofit grant-making. Its hybrid fund structure and 501(c)(3) affiliate set it apart from conventional venture firms, while its seed-stage, open-application investment process aligns with early-stage VC practice.

NMV runs open investment calls for early-stage startups, a public application process uncommon among by-invitation-only seed funds. Beyond open calls, the firm's cross-disciplinary network—spanning policy, activism, media, philanthropy, and venture capital—serves as a sourcing channel for founders operating at the intersection of technology and civic impact.