JFFVentures

JFFVentures is excited to be back at Transform in Las Vegas next week! We're looking forward to: ?? Meeting innovative early-stage companies building solutions that drive economic opportunity for all ?? Connecting with our portfolio companies and partners ?? Learning from HR leaders about their current priorities and focus areas Will you be at Transform? We'd love to connect! Drop us a message to schedule a meeting. #Transform #HRTech #WorkforceDevelopment #JFFVentures Priscilla Luu Yigal Kerszenbaum

? Five Years Running! ? We’re thrilled to share that #JFFVentures has been named to the ImpactAssets 50 2025 as an Emerging Impact Manager—for the fifth consecutive year! ?? This recognition is a testament to our unwavering belief that impact isn’t a tradeoff—it’s a catalyst for growth. Every investment we make is driven by the mission to create economic opportunity for all while delivering strong returns. We’re honored to stand alongside an incredible community of investment leaders proving that capital can be a force for good. Thank you to ImpactAssets and our partners who share our vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future. Here’s to building the next generation of impact-driven companies! ???? #ImpactInvesting #EmergingManagers #EconomicMobility #JFFVentures #IA50 #IA50EIM #Futureofwork https://bit.ly/IA502025 Yigal Kerszenbaum Sabari Raja Priscilla Luu Abby Conyers Monica Pacheco

We're excited to welcome two new members to the JFFVentures Corporate Innovation Council! Please join us in welcoming Molly Pearl of Blackstone and Elizabeth Lane of Hilton to the JFFVentures Corporate Innovation Council! ?? The council is an innovative model that brings together leaders from Jobs for the Future (JFF)'s corporate network to support the growth and impact of JFFVentures' portfolio companies. Our council brings together visionary leaders in talent development, venture capital, and corporate social responsibility to help entrepreneurs navigate and scale their promising workforce innovations, driving opportunity for workers in jobs that pay low to medium wages. Our new members will join the existing council to support entrepreneurs as they scale high-impact solutions that increase access to economic opportunity for all. #WorkforceDevelopment #SocialImpact #Innovation

At JFFVentures, we're committed to investing in innovative startups that expand economic opportunity for everyone—with a focus on low and middle-wage workers, including those with disabilities. Proud to see Making Space founder Keely Cat-Wells featured in The New York Times recognizing the economic contributions of workers with disabilities. As she notes, "Disabled people have to work even harder to meet the same standards, which leads to creative, adaptable and dedicated workers not less competent ones." We remain committed to building an economy where all people can contribute their talents and achieve financial security. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gmsHqxdQ

?? Excited to Speak at #SXSWEDU 2025! Workforce innovation is at a turning point, driven by shifts in policy, investment trends, and emerging technologies. On March 5th at 10:00 AM, I’ll be joining an incredible group of Austin based leaders for a panel discussion on Macro & Micro Trends in Workforce Innovation at the Hilton Hotel, Room 602. We’ll be diving into: ?? How workforce needs are evolving and what that means for learners and workers ?? Key investment trends shaping workforce-tech and edtech ?? The intersection of policy and innovation in building future-ready talent solutions I’m thrilled to share the stage with: ?? Christine Wyatt, COO, ReUp Education ?? Luis Felipe Rincon, Co-Founder & CSO, Acadeum ?? Moderator: Haley Ast, Program Officer, Stand Together Trust Thanks to Stand Together Trust for hosting this important conversation! Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or operator, this session will offer key insights into what’s next for workforce development. ?? If you're at #SXSWEDU, don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and collaborate! #WorkforceInnovation #FutureOfWork #EdTech #HigherEd #AdultLearners #SXSW2025, JFFVentures, Jobs for the Future (JFF)

Career transitions are challenging, especially for low- and middle-wage workers. That's why we're excited about JFFVentures portfolio company AdeptID joining forces with SkillUp Coalition to launch SkillUp AI, which will leverage AdeptID's advanced skills-matching technology to make career navigation more accessible and effective. By identifying hidden skill alignments and potential career pathways, SkillUp AI aims to transform how people explore career opportunities. This collaboration addresses a critical gap in the labor market: connecting talented workers to meaningful career advancement without traditional credentials standing in the way. The vision is clear—reduced search fatigue, increased confidence, and accelerated economic mobility through AI-powered recommendations that recognize skills, regardless of how they were acquired. Big congratulations to AdeptID, SkillUp Coalition, Brighthive, WhereWeGo on this launch! ?? Read more about SkillUp AI here: https://lnkd.in/grGnqGpP #CareerMobility #WorkforceDevelopment #AI #SkillsBasedHiring #FutureOfWork #CareerTransitions #WorkforceInnovation

Thanks to Tess Danielson at Beta Boom for featuring this story about JFFVentures Managing Partner Sabari Raja. From being raised on a coconut farm to founding and successfully exiting an edtech startup, her unique journey offers valuable insights into the experiences that shape her perspective as an investor with JFFVentures. In particular, Sabari emphasizes the value of vulnerability: "I admire and appreciate that more—a level of transparency, honesty, and humility—rather than somebody who’s always putting on a show. The number-one thing I would tell founders: self-awareness, vulnerability, asking for help." Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gsXqzWTK

?? Curious how AI can transform adult literacy education? Join our partners World Education and Pace AI for an insightful webinar highlighting real results and practical strategies from the Pace AI pilot program at Houston's Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy. See how AI-powered tools are helping multilingual learners build confidence and succeed. From pronunciation feedback to integrated digital learning frameworks, discover approaches you can implement in your classroom. Register now ?? worlded.me/ETSS2024 #AdultEducation #EdTech #AI #DigitalLearning

Applications for Jobs for the Future (JFF)'s annual pitch competition open February 10! Are you an early-stage founder building an innovative solution that drives?economic advancement?and empowers?individuals and communities?to thrive? Consider applying to compete for a?$5,000 cash prize?and the opportunity to be considered for the?JFFLabs?Impact Accelerator.

We're excited to welcome new members to the JFFVentures Corporate Innovation Council! The Council is an innovative model that brings together leaders from Jobs for the Future (JFF)'s corporate network to support the growth and impact of JFFV portfolio companies. Our council brings together visionary leaders in talent development, DEI&B, venture capital, and corporate social responsibility who share their expertise to help promising workforce innovations better navigate and scale with large employers, driving equity and opportunity for low and middle wage workers. Together with the existing council, our new members will support entrepreneurs as they scale high-impact solutions that increase access economic opportunity for all. Please join us in welcoming Jocelyn Caldwell of Pilot Company, Lisa (Hunt) Schumacher of McDonald's, Mari Sifo, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP of Host Hotels & Resorts, Anshul Sonak of Intel Corporation, Kathryn Tague of Northwestern Mutual, and Tammy Thieman of Amazon to the JFFVentures Corporate Innovation Council! ?? #WorkforceDevelopment #SocialImpact #Innovation