New Media Ventures (NMV)

Last month, NMV President Carlissia N. Graham joined Brady Walkinshaw, Founder & Publisher of Noisy Creek, for an inspiring conversation on how innovative social venture models can support for-profit local media. Hosted by New Media Ventures, The Schmidt Family Foundation, and The Fund for Alternative Journalism, the evening featured light bites, great company, and impactful discussions on the future of local journalism. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

We are thrilled to announce the founding Board of Directors of New Rising Ventures. This inspiring group brings together leaders in fields ranging from venture capital, impact investing, entrepreneurship, narrative change, nonprofit management, to media & entertainment: Haywood Perry III, Mel O., Daniel Forkkio, Aaron Mitchell, Jessica Salinas and Carlissia N. Graham. Their diverse expertise will be invaluable as we build and scale New Rising Ventures. CC: Phillip Sanders Abigail Leung Carlos Emmanuel Salinas Inbar Sharon

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. Read more about our vision: https://lnkd.in/gZVPzQmM Jessica Salinas Carlissia N. Graham Phillip Sanders Abigail Leung Carlos Emmanuel Salinas Inbar Sharon Haywood Perry III Daniel Forkkio Aaron Mitchell Mel O.

Our Investment Analyst, Carlos Emmanuel Salinas, recently attended the Elevate Festival 2024 in Toronto, bringing back valuable insights for our investment work in progressive innovation. Carlos's key observations from the festival highlight the transformative power of uniting diverse perspectives in tech: - The success of Toronto's "one team" mentality in tech development - Google's approach to purpose-driven AI that prioritizes social good - Groundbreaking accessibility innovations, including new health tech for disabled and able-bodied individuals - The critical intersection of environmental protection and technology, as showcased by eOceans "The festival reinforced our thesis at New Media Ventures that social power combined with political power creates true democracy," shares Carlos. "Seeing innovations that make tangible improvements in people's daily lives, especially for marginalized communities, validates our investment approach in progressive technology." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gU7YvHK4

As apart of preparing ourselves for the reality of a Trump presidency and a rollback on some of the progress we've made recently, we convened in October at the Media Impact Funders' Journalism Funders Gathering for a timely discussion on the Fearless Fund ruling and its ripple effects on charitable giving. NMV President Carlissia N. Graham joined Martin G. Reynolds (Co-Executive Director, The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education), Khiara M. Bridges (Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley - School of Law), and Mina Kim (Host, KQED Forum) to examine how media grantmaking can continue supporting communities of color in this evolving legal landscape. The timing of this conversation proved prescient as we navigate the current intersection of philanthropy, equity, and law.

Today we are reminded that at the end of the day, when systems fail us, all we have is each other. Elections are critical, but in moments like these, we must remember we still have power beyond the ballot. We can’t retreat; we must turn to community and collective action. We can build movements that transform despair into determination, anger into agency. Movements that aren’t just about resistance; but about reimagining and rebuilding. At NMV we will continue to fund the movement and deploy capital that builds power for the working class.

NMV is proud to be part of VCs For Repro, a coalition of venture capital firms leveraging influence and voice to make it clear that abortion access is everyone’s business and fundamentally tied to innovation and the economy #carriedinterest

Nothing bad happens when women have more money. In fact, everything gets better.??It’s time to invest in women entrepreneurs and fund managers. Thank you to the Honorable California State Controller, Malia Cohen for sitting down with us for an intimate discussion on capital and women in the great state of California during #LATechWeek.?#InvestInWomen PledgeLA Cap Table Coalition Mundial Media Sisters with Ventures Podcast Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies - USC Marshall Lisha Bell La Keisha Landrum Pierre Monica Dean Qiana Patterson Debbie Rumbo Adriana Embus (she/her) Jessica Salinas

What did you do this weekend?! Our Investment Analyst Carlos Emmanuel Salinas and his wife, Anna Salinas, attended the rally for Kamala Harris in Houston Friday. The rally featured Texas native Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, who had the honor of introducing the Vice President. During her speech, VP Harris focused specifically on the importance of reproductive rights and the attacks on abortion and IVF treatment that her opponent Trump plans to carry out. Carlos and Anna appreciated the focus on reproductive rights because for many in the disability community, IVF provides crucial family planning options and reproductive autonomy. Recent attacks on IVF access threaten these fundamental rights. We must protect reproductive healthcare in ALL its forms. Everyone deserves the chance to build their family safely and with dignity.

?? Last week, our CIO Jessica Salinas and Investment Associate Abigail Leung hit the ground running at #LATechWeek, connecting with incredible leaders across LA's diverse tech ecosystem. Here's a look at the events they attended that brought together the best of tech and venture: ?? Venture on the Green by BLCK VC: Hit the links for a morning of community-building at this innovative golf tournament bringing together BLCK VC members, investors, and founders. A fresh take on networking that got us out of the conference room and onto the green! ???????? Founders & Funders of Color Mixer with VamosVentures, SomosVC, BLCK VC & Plug In Ventures: A vibrant evening uniting diverse founders and funders to strengthen LA's tech ecosystem. The energy in the room showed the incredible momentum of our community! ?? VCFamilia Awards Reception: A black-tie celebration honoring Latine excellence in venture capital, bringing together 500+ VCs from the largest global community of Latine investors. A perfect close to Hispanic Heritage Month! ?? Diverse Fund Managers x Culture House: An intimate hillside gathering hosted by Marlon Nichols of MaC Venture Capital, bringing together diverse fund managers for meaningful connections against the LA skyline. ?? cultureSPARK by CultureHouse: A high-energy celebration bringing together pre-seed to Series A founders with VCs, complete with amazing food and DJs. Jessica & Abi had so much fun getting to see familiar faces and meet new ones throughout the week. Grateful to be apart of a growing movement to diversify the tech and venture capital landscapes. ????