Pivotal Ventures

We believe in using different kinds of funding to accelerate social progress. Some of that funding is philanthropic, while some investments are designed to generate financial returns. In a new article, our Managing Director of Investments Erin Harkless Moore, CFA highlights the kinds of return-seeking investments we make, why we’re focused on getting more money in the hands of women founders and funders, and what we hope to signal to other investors through our approach. https://lnkd.in/g4qx3ZbS

Now that three states have achieved a woman-majority legislature and more women than ever will serve in state legislatures across the country, we’re thinking back to the conversation that our founder Melinda French Gates had with Cosmopolitan earlier this year about the importance of gender parity in state government and how to achieve it:

Why is it so hard to build and fund companies focused on women’s health? Investor Leslie Schrock outlines the challenges and opportunities around getting women’s health the investment it deserves.

Our Chief Strategy Officer, Haven D. Ley, talks about what we’re looking for from organizations looking to apply for our global open call, Action for Women’s Health. Register to apply by December 3! https://lnkd.in/grQCJYWp

With so many challenges facing the world, it’s always inspiring to learn about the brilliant, creative minds working to solve them. Congratulations to The Audacious Project's 2024 cohort!

?? What do young people want to see in entertainment media? More fantasy, more friendship, less romance, and less cringe-y depictions of social media, according to UCLA's Center for Scholars & Storytellers’ report. See what else young people ages 10-24 care about as it relates to media:

American teens are under a lot of pressure, but that pressure can look different for different kids. Our partner Center for Digital Thriving’s fascinating new report shows that 81% of American teens experience pressure in at least one of six areas, while 52% say they experience it in three or more. Not all pressure is bad, of course, but naming these experiences can help teens and the adults in their lives better understand where that pressure comes from and how to address it. Dig into the rest of the findings—including how you can help: https://lnkd.in/gCPpmDne

Some more amazing milestones coming out of the 2024 election cycle: Women will make up the majority of state legislators in Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada! What a win for women’s political power ??

"Diversity leads to innovation—full stop." Our founder Melinda French Gates and Managing Director of Investments, Erin Harkless Moore, CFA, talk about why diversity in venture capital is so important and what we can gain from getting more capital in the hands of more women, especially women of color. Read more from Erin Harkless Moore: https://lnkd.in/gDde_C2s

For far too long, women’s health has been underfunded, overlooked, and misunderstood. It’s time to change that. As part of our $250 million global open call, Action for Women’s Health, we’re looking to fund organizations working to improve women’s mental and/or physical health. If that sounds like you, learn more, spread the word, and register to apply for funding: https://lnkd.in/gYZXv39C