Introducing 4 New Responsible AI Investments

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the civic infrastructure that shapes how people access information, power, and participation. Yet the leaders building responsible, community-centered AI remain the most under-resourced, even as our democracy becomes more fragile. At this moment, NMV & NRV are doubling down on Responsible AI as a civic imperative. 

Today, we’re proud to announce four new investments – Justicia Lab, Scrutinize, Retro Report, and Breakthru. These four teams are proving that AI can strengthen democracy when it’s built for the public good, not just profit.

New Media Ventures Investments

While these two grants were made under our 501c4, the funding is designated for the organizations' 501c3 charitable and educational activities, not for lobbying or political campaign activities.

Retro Report (501c3) is dedicated to reimagining history and civics education for the 21st century. Inspired to fight against the erosion of civil discourse and increased polarization, Retro Report offers a solution of trustworthy, non-partisan, and compelling resources that teachers value to teach critical thinking skills. Retro Report – working with innovative AI driven platform Gravity – will be accessible to all students by eliminating barriers to learning and creating spaces where authentic dialogue and education can thrive.

In their own words: “This grant from NMV is a game changer because it will galvanize support for our mission to use AI to make civic education more accessible and help millions of students with learning differences succeed” – Kyra Darnton, President, Retro Report

How you can help: Retro Report is looking for a dedicated network of funders and innovative thinkers to guide and mentor them as we launch this project. They’re eager to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and Ed Tech professionals so that they can move forward effectively in our goal to increase civic literacy for students across the country.

Learn more: Follow them on Linkedin, X, and Facebook!

Scrutinize’s (501c3) mission is to make state courts more transparent and accountable. They use data analysis, AI, and rigorous legal research to turn complex judicial data into clear insights.

In their own words: “Scrutinize is using data and AI to bring greater transparency and accountability to state courts. With NMV’s support, we’ll expand our AI-driven data offerings and collaborate across the NMV network to make the legal system more transparent and accountable.” – Oded Oren, Founder and Executive Director, Scrutinize

How you can help: Scrutinize is looking for potential funders as well as collaborators who can help them brainstorm the use of AI (off the shelf products, like chatGPT) to classify texts and issues surrounding accuracy. If there's anyone who's doing work on this or might be interested in brainstorming / collaborating, they would love an intro.

Learn more: Follow Scrutinize on Linkedin!

New Rising Ventures Investments

Please note that the following investments were made under our 501c3, New Rising Ventures. 

Justicia Lab (501c3) is Pro Bono Net’s legal innovation lab. They partner with civil society to build solutions that bridge the justice gap. They work with directly-impacted individuals and diverse stakeholders to co-design legal tech innovations, build, test, and scale justice tech solutions, evaluate impact, and iterate on effective interventions. Reclamo AI is Justicia Lab's multilingual, mobile-first digital assistant that helps workers understand their wage rights, identify wage theft, and connect with trusted advocates.

In their own words: "We are thrilled to receive this funding from NMV/NRV. It will enable Justicia Lab to scale Reclamo AI, empowering more workers to uphold their rights and strengthen their vital role in our communities and our economy." – Rodrigo Camarena, Director, Justicia Lab

How you can help: Justicia Lab is looking for introductions to economic opportunity funders and funders in labor!

Learn more: Follow Justicia Lab on Linkedin!

Breakthru (For-profit) is building the operating system for youth engagement. A platform helping organizations reach, activate, and understand young people through AI-powered tools, education content, and incentive systems. Breakthru’s mission is to help every organization build trust, belonging, and opportunity with the next generation by creating meaningful, data-driven, and rewarding engagement experiences for young people.

In their own words: ‘Breakthru is using AI to power a new generation of civic and social infrastructure, helping organizations truly connect with young people. NRV’s investment allows us to scale this mission, expanding how AI can be used not to replace human connection, but to rebuild it.” – Alexander Miles, CEO, Breakthru

How you can help: Breakthru is looking for introductions to impact-minded investors and funds who could help close the remaining $400k in our current round and connections to political, health, and nonprofit organizations that could benefit from our youth engagement platform. 

Learn more: Follow Breakthru on Linkedin!

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Interested in joining NMV in supporting these projects? For more information on our investments & grantees, contact our Co-President Phillip Sanders at psanders@newmediaventures.org.

Interested in funding NMV and helping us support more organizations like these? Please reach out to our Director of Development Suzy Gold at sgold@newmediaventures.org

Want to help spread the word? Share this blog post with your network across social media and tag us in your post! (NMV social profiles: X, LinkedIn, and Instagram; NRV social profiles: Instagram, Linkedin)

- The NMV / NRV Team