The Mission
We started Propel to create new systems, combat inequality, and power ideas for a more just and inclusive society.
Since 2008, we’ve invested $50+ million in companies, future leaders, and organizations working across 16 of the 17 UN sustainable development goals and impacting millions of lives. Our 100+ partners are challenging the status quo and building a future that works for the many, not just the few.
Make Money Flow
We knew that by using capital creatively, we could rethink how money flows and unlock new markets to create bigger social and environmental change.
In the early days of impact investing, Propel pioneered creative fund structures with first-time fund managers to spur innovation and attract additional capital to launch this new values-driven ecosystem. Through Propel Opportunity, we also provided catalytic capital for deep impact partners such as Root Capital, an agricultural lender reaching nearly 7 million rural farmers and their families living on the frontlines of climate change.
Get In Early
We invest early to drive impactful capital, intentionally opening doors for people with limited access and great potential.
After nearly 10 years of investing in fund managers and innovative social enterprises, we launched Propel Ventures to increase the flow of capital to promising impact-driven companies and talented entrepreneurs from historically underinvested communities. 50% of our portfolio companies are led by women, 45% by a person of color, and 15% by an LGBTQIA+ person. All of our partners are building new solutions for a better future, from teaching empathy at scale to designing campaigns and messages for the new American majority.
Change Justice
We applied the same flow strategy to address a legal system rife with racial inequities.
In 2013, we launched Propel Justice, believing that mass incarceration and the discriminatory practices woven throughout the criminal legal system are a devastating reflection of racial and economic injustice in our country. Using both philanthropic and political capital, we provided early funding for critical levers to advance the fundamental, sweeping justice we need.
Feed Democracy
We then applied our approach to fuel the extraordinary efforts leading a generational transformation in our democracy.
Following the 2016 election, we quickly launched Propel Democracy to spark investment in creative strategies that strengthen progressive infrastructure and build political power. Many of the innovators we supported early are now vital to strengthening our democracy and are mobilizing millions of people to build a more just and humane future for all Americans.
Bet on People
We believe in unleashing talent and betting on game-changing ideas to reimagine the future.
Whether three women mobilized to action after the 2016 election, a young man with a vision to transform urban slums in Africa, or the rising leadership of the U.S.’s largest online racial justice organization, we prioritize deep, trusted relationships with the extraordinary leaders and teams behind the organizations we fund.
Keep Going
We continue looking for new, ground-breaking ideas to build equality in our world.
We’re overwhelmed by the progress our 100+ partners have made in these 10 years and proud to work alongside them. One hundred percent of our companies are generating positive impact for people and the planet, and the majority of our partners are now operating at scale, reaching more than 100,000 people. Yet we know there is still a massive opportunity to do more with future changemakers who share our belief that a more just and equitable future is possible in our lifetime.
About Our Name
To propel means to drive, push, or cause to move in a forward direction. To propel is to set something in motion, to get moving, launch something new. This is how we think about impact investing. This is how we work, and how we believe money needs to flow in order to create important and necessary change.
