Announcing the Evolution of New Media Ventures and the Launch of New Rising Ventures

At New Media Ventures, our commitment to trailblazing in the progressive political space remains as strong as ever. For the past 14 years, we’ve led the charge in pushing the boundaries of civic engagement, media innovation, and delivering transformative solutions that drive meaningful political change. In no small feat, we’ve built the most sophisticated top-to-bottom political tech infrastructure in existence. Now, we are proud to announce the natural next step in this journey: the launch of our c3 arm, New Rising Ventures. This expansion is more than just an evolution of our work—it is democracy in action.

Our Vision for the Future

Our collective thesis is simple: social power + political power = people power. 

New Rising Ventures will focus on long-term, social progress, while New Media Ventures continues to be a leader in the political realm. This expansion is not just a step forward for our organization—it is a reflection of our vision for democracy itself. Regardless of election outcomes, we remain dedicated to building a future where democracy serves everyone, not just the few.

Together, New Media Ventures and New Rising Ventures will continue being a home for innovation that challenges the status quo. The ballot box is just one lever of power. We intend to use the power of civil society as another to usher in a new era of progressive innovation that delivers material value for Americans. 

We’re advancing solutions that strengthen our society, deepen our collective resilience, and build pathways toward a more inclusive democracy that centers the needs and voices of the working class and those most impacted by inequities.

This dual focus—on political power and social impact—will enable us to create sustainable change, reinforcing our dedication to progressive values while ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach every community.

New Rising Ventures: Democracy Beyond the Ballot

Democracy is more than casting a vote—it's the daily engagement with the structures that impact the majority. We’ve built, and will continue to build, political power, especially for historically marginalized communities. But we know that political power alone is not enough. From the early 2024 election analysis, we also know that too many people, across the spectrum, are disillusioned with the political system. They vote, they participate, yet their daily lives seem to worsen, not improve; and they are simply exhausted with politics.

That’s why we must go beyond the ballot.

It’s not just about elections; it’s about recognizing where the political system isn’t meeting the mark and representing the will of the majority. To build a truly equitable democracy, we must create social power in places where political interventions fall short. This means addressing the day-to-day realities that people face, like climate, education, women’s healthcare, the economy, incarceration, and cultural change—issues that remain critical regardless of electoral outcomes. 

By investing to build social power through innovation, we can create more avenues for people to have agency in their lives. There are brilliant, experienced individuals thinking of and building new ways to make life easier for the most marginalized across all demographics. Those ideas need capital and deserve space to grow into impactful resources that complement the might of our institutions. 

New Media Ventures: Delivering on Progressive Values

Even as we launch New Rising Ventures, New Media Ventures will remain fully committed to driving change in the progressive political space, as we have for the past 14 years. Our c4 arm will continue to be a bold, leading force, investing in and advocating for the progressive values that have always guided our work. We believe in building a future grounded in justice, equity, and collective liberation—values that are more critical than ever in today’s polarized political climate.

Our track record speaks for itself. As of this year, we’ve funded 157 organizations that have reshaped political engagement, challenged entrenched systems, and empowered communities across the country. From advancing campaign tech to supporting movements for racial justice, our work has consistently helped to build real power for those most marginalized by our current oppressive systems.

We will continue to invest in:

• Ethical tools and technologies that make our political system more accessible, transparent, and equitable.

• Innovation that advances a progressive agenda and guards against the harm of Trump policies like those outlined in Project 2025

• A distributed media ecosystem that massively expands where and how we reach people to build lasting relationships with voters

New Media Ventures is committed to driving long-term, sustainable impact by ensuring that the progressive political ecosystem has the resources and infrastructure it needs to thrive. Whether it’s advancing voter rights, tackling mis- and dis- information, mobilizing campaigns, our focus remains on creating the political conditions necessary for a truly inclusive democracy.

Our advocacy will remain strong. We’ll continue to champion policies that empower communities and dismantle inequitable systems. We’ll also remain nimble and responsive, pushing progressive ideas and solutions forward in a political landscape that is constantly shifting.

Doubling Down on Media: The Cornerstone of Democracy

Across both New Rising Ventures and New Media Ventures, our commitment to investing in media—whether it’s local media, cultural media platforms, or emerging media tools—remains a key pillar of our work. We’re doubling down on our media investments because we understand the profound role the media plays in shaping a healthy democracy.

It is the backbone of an informed and engaged society. In an era where trust in traditional institutions is declining, the media serves as one of the few remaining spaces where communities find information, build connections, and hold those in power accountable. For democracy to thrive, it must be supported by a robust ecosystem that not only informs but strengthens civil society.

Our investments in media aren’t just about creating content—they’re about building trust in democratic institutions, amplifying voices, and ensuring that democracy reaches a greater swath of people.

What Sets Us Apart

At NMV, we’ve invested early in entrepreneurs and activists transforming our democracy through innovation, providing a funnel for the best and brightest ideas to scale for real impact. After 14 years, seven federal election cycles, and 157 startup projects funded, we are still the leading resource for progressive innovation at the nexus of media, technology, movement-building, and capital. All of that experience has led us to this understanding – that democracy doesn’t begin and end at the voting booth. 

We can, and we must, engage in other arenas where people find meaning – digital media platforms, social groups, social systems, and the like. Our work connects with people where they are—on the issues that matter most to them, on platforms where they trust, and in spaces that reflect their everyday lives. 

Whether through responsible tech, AI, media innovation, or other verticals, we are pushing the boundaries of what power-building means in today’s world. Innovation around us is constant, and together, NMV and NRV will be a reliable container for harnessing it in service of a more reflective democracy.