We are in a moment in history where entrepreneurs have disproportionate influence on everything from the social problems they work on to what they consume, practice, believe, and desire. As Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter and Square, recently declared on the cover of Forbes, "the most efficient means to spread an idea today is corporate structure." Moreover, according to the Kauffman Foundation, 54% of millennials have started an organization or have the desire to start one. Given all of this, we believe the future of our world depends largely on the ventures the next generation creates. To create an institution for this context, we've created Praxis as a venture group, structured as a non-profit, that focuses on equipping and resourcing a growing portfolio of faith-motivated entrepreneurs who have committed their lives to cultural and social impact, renewing the spirit of their age one organization at a time. Praxis was conceived in 2010 by Dave Blanchard, then a Principal Designer at IDEO and Josh Kwan, the Director of International Giving for the David Weekley Family Foundation, and developed in collaboration with Q, a learning community that mobilizes Christians to advance the common good in society. Each year, Praxis welcomes 12 businesses and 12 nonprofits into their two Accelerator programs, where they provide the top-decision makers in these organizations with the knowledge, network, and personal discipleship necessary to build sustainable, high-impact organizations. In summer of 2014, they'll also launch Praxis Academy, a summer program focused on training Christ-following undergraduates at the intersection of faith, startups, and culture. Academy graduates will have a chance to apply for their Future Founders program, where they'll have an unique opportunity to do a summer apprenticeship with their Accelerator alumni.
Parallel Fluidics is a new microfluidics manufacturing company out of Boston. The company started in 2019 to solve a problem they’d faced firsthand as engineers: it’s hard to get quality microfluidic prototypes, fast.
Please Assist Me, Inc. is a home management company that collaborates with apartment complexes to enhance residents' living experiences in Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. Founded in 2018, the company offers a range of services including grocery shopping, laundry and dry cleaning, home cleaning, and assistance with mail and packages. By connecting residents to a dedicated personal assistant team, Please Assist Me aims to simplify household management, allowing residents to enjoy a more luxurious and convenient lifestyle. The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and focuses on delivering tailored services to meet the diverse needs of apartment dwellers.
Church Space is a platform that provides flexible shared rental options for renters seeking commercial space at an affordable rate. It was launched in 2019 by founder and CEO Day Edwards.
GGEM Farming is an operator of an ethical marketplace focused on enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers. The company provides a platform that addresses various aspects of the agricultural supply chain, including access to credit, supply of agricultural inputs, climate adaptation, processing, and marketing services. By offering these resources, GGEM Farming aims to help farmers improve their crop yields and quality, ultimately enabling them to significantly increase their incomes. Through its innovative approach, the company seeks to digitalize and commercialize the efforts of smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth within rural communities.
TO THE MARKET is a company focused on the ethical manufacturing and sourcing of apparel, accessories, and home goods. Established in 2016 and headquartered in the United States, it serves artisan groups and suppliers globally. The company operates as an ethical supply chain platform, providing comprehensive solutions that encompass design, production, compliance, sourcing, logistics, and reporting. TO THE MARKET caters to major corporations seeking transparency in their supply chains, offering proprietary tools for vendor evaluation, procurement workflows, and automated reporting. Through its services, the company enables retailers to gather quantifiable data on their suppliers' impact, thereby supporting sustainability and supply chain transparency efforts without compromising on speed and innovation.
Founded in 2021, Missional Labs is an accelerator firm based in Brooklyn, New York. The firm seeks to accelerate churches, ministries, non-profits, technology, businesses, and collectives.
Huntr is a marketplace focused on connecting migrant workers with suitable job opportunities. The platform provides a range of services including job-seeking, career management, recruitment, and talent management. By featuring searchable job postings, Huntr enables businesses to efficiently find trained and experienced candidates, thereby reducing time and costs associated with recruitment and onboarding. Utilizing advanced technology and artificial intelligence, Huntr aims to streamline the hiring process and enhance the employment experience for both candidates and employers.
Cloverleaf LLC offers a visualization and scenario-planning platform designed to enhance team management and employee development. Founded in 2015 and based in Covington, Kentucky, the platform analyzes employee data to provide insights into team dynamics by cross-mapping personality traits, skills, and organizational culture. This enables users, including agile practitioners, project managers, and human resource professionals, to position team members effectively, improve communication, and identify suitable candidates to boost productivity. Additionally, Cloverleaf's automated coaching features deliver personalized nudges through commonly used tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Outlook, and Slack, fostering collaboration and performance improvements within teams.
UpSmith is a company focused on improving lives by providing access to training in practical skills and supporting long-lasting careers. It develops a vertical software-as-a-service platform tailored for skilled trades businesses, aimed at enhancing workforce productivity. UpSmith's technology includes gamification products that incentivize value-creating behaviors among frontline workers, ultimately helping clients to increase revenue, boost output, and reduce costs. By combining innovative technology with a commitment to workforce development, UpSmith strives to empower skilled workers and facilitate the growth of trades businesses.
Kadence specializes in workplace management software that enhances the efficiency of hybrid and flexible office environments. By optimizing workplaces and coordinating dynamic schedules, Kadence enables seamless integration of remote and in-office work, leading to improved team productivity and employee retention. The platform transforms traditional workspaces into smart, safe environments, providing workplace leaders with data-driven insights into space usage. This capability allows clients to adapt their office configurations in response to changing work patterns, ultimately reducing real estate costs while fostering a more effective work experience.
Venus Aerospace is a startup aerospace company established in 2020 that specializes in hypersonic transportation. The company is dedicated to engineering solutions that enable one-hour global transport, aiming to connect the world more efficiently and safely. Venus Aerospace focuses on developing rotating detonation rocket engines and high-speed vehicles for various applications, including research, defense, and commercial missions. With a team of experts that includes PhDs, rocket scientists, and engineers, the company addresses significant challenges in aerospace by achieving speeds of up to Mach 9.
Eden Equities is a Texas-based real estate investment company that focuses on revitalizing communities through skilled trade apprenticeship programs. The company aims to provide mentorship and training in licensed trades, helping individuals build careers in construction and related fields. Through its portfolio company, Priority Home Services, Eden Equities combines its investment efforts with a commitment to community development, fostering economic growth and providing valuable vocational opportunities.
TechLess focuses on developing a child-friendly operating system for Android, aiming to create technology that promotes intentional living. The company's flagship product, Wisephone, is designed to combat app addiction by offering essential features such as calling, texting, maps, and a camera, while also including healthy third-party applications. Unlike conventional smartphones, Wisephone prioritizes user privacy by avoiding data scraping and not selling personal information. With an emphasis on humane technology, TechLess provides a mobile experience that supports meaningful engagement and multi-day battery life, making it suitable for users seeking a simpler, more focused digital lifestyle.
Flaire is a platform designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences, reviews, and recommendations among users regarding various places. The application aims to enhance everyday decision-making by connecting individuals with their real friends, allowing them to organize and save personalized answers and insights. Flaire focuses on providing users with valuable suggestions, life hacks, and relevant recommendations, all consolidated in one accessible location. Through this approach, the platform seeks to optimize how people navigate their choices and experiences in daily life.
Healthy Hip Hop is an educational technology company that focuses on promoting mental and physical health, social interaction, and personal empowerment among children and families. The company has developed an application that combines hip-hop culture with innovative technology, offering a curated environment reminiscent of platforms like Spotify and TikTok. Its content includes video and audio materials designed for use in classrooms, facilitating morning energizers, brain breaks, and pre-test activities. This approach encourages movement and physical education, aiming to enhance students' focus, engagement, and behavior in an educational setting.
WHMI provides theological training to pastors, helping to build healthy churches and working for community transformation. Through its bible institute, they maintain an active ministry. More than 5,000 students receive free theological instruction from them. They offer theological education and are partners in fostering the growth of churches and transforming neighborhoods through the gospel.
Blockit is a healthcare appointment scheduling software designed to streamline the management of appointments and referrals within health systems and large delivery networks. The platform acts as a unified capacity engine, integrating provider data management and online scheduling with tools for patient experiences, such as finding doctors and managing referrals. It facilitates real-time sharing of availability and coordination of scheduling, enhancing the connection between healthcare technologies and improving the flow of patient access information. By enabling physicians to effectively manage and coordinate with patients and other caregivers, Blockit aims to optimize healthcare delivery and improve patient access to services.
We empower small teams to make a big impact. Tether's all-in-one system makes learning and training easy to create, enjoyable to use, and simple to manage. Powerful, flexible and data-driven, Tether makes it easy to build the exact LMS your business needs.
Hydrostasis is a company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing hydration monitoring systems tailored for athletes. Its technology includes wearable sensors that assess individual hydration needs based on body composition, providing personalized and clinical-grade accuracy. The system offers real-time notifications to alert athletes before dehydration affects their performance. In addition to serving athletes, Hydrostasis collaborates with device manufacturers for both consumer and clinical applications, enhancing hydration monitoring capabilities across various platforms. By leveraging scientific methodologies and cloud-based data storage, Hydrostasis aims to empower athletes to optimize their hydration levels, ultimately supporting their physical and mental performance.
PoolTogether Inc. operates an Ethereum-based application that combines saving money with a gamified experience. Founded in 2019 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, PoolTogether features a no-loss savings game where users deposit funds that earn interest through a compound protocol. At the end of each week, participants have the chance to win the collective interest accrued, while all users can withdraw their initial deposits without any loss. This innovative platform leverages smart contracts to ensure transparency and fairness, allowing users to save money without the risks associated with traditional lotteries. By utilizing blockchain technology, PoolTogether aims to make saving accessible and engaging for its users.
Farmshelf Corp. is a Brooklyn-based company founded in 2015 that specializes in designing and managing modular urban farms. The company offers an automated indoor farming solution that allows customers, including homes and restaurants, to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. Farmshelf's compact, bookcase-sized farms can produce significant amounts of fresh produce weekly, growing food three times faster than traditional farming methods while using 90 percent less water. The hydroponic system automatically manages watering and nutrient delivery, providing analytics on plant growth to enhance efficiency. This innovative approach aims to reduce packaging, pesticides, and food waste, enabling users to cultivate fresh produce right where they live or work.
Regardless of tribe, religion, family name, or origin, Amani Global Works aims to increase health of a region by providing the preventive and emergency care for a community in need, and then creating a template of care that can replicated throughout the continent. AGW values the importance of accessible healthcare for all communities on the island of Idjwi by focusing on maternal healthcare, child healthcare and malnutrition as well as other factors that contribute directly to the region’s health crisis such as education and transportation.
StreetCode Academy is a community-focused organization that offers free courses in coding, entrepreneurship, and design, specifically targeting young people of color. By fostering an inclusive learning environment, the academy aims to empower its students to become innovative contributors to the technology sector, particularly in Silicon Valley. Through its educational programs, StreetCode Academy seeks to bridge the skills gap and provide essential resources that enable participants to thrive in the digital economy.
Gifts for Good is a corporate gifting company that curates premium and ethical gifts for employees, clients, professionals, and leads. The gifts support over 40 charities and social enterprises in 65 countries and 19 states who are helping to tackle their world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Gifts for Good serves companies and professionals with high-quality goods that people will love to give and love to receive. They provide corporate gifting solutions that drive business outcomes and social responsibility. The company mission is to empower the world to help people and the planet through gift-giving. Gifts for Good was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
The Trelus Exit Navigation Platform™ helps owners avoid disappointment by putting them in control with small actions tailored to The Trelus goal. the best tools, articles, videos, and advisors based on the recommendations of other owners.
Founded by two Eagle Scout brothers who grew tired of instant coffee, Kuju is leading a movement towards a new category of ready-to-brew, quality-driven coffee products for home, on-the-go and everywhere in between. The Pocket PourOver, Kuju's first product line, is a ready-to-brew, drip coffee filter that anchors to your mug so you can brew pour over coffee anywhere, no equipment necessary. Inside each Pocket PourOver are specialty coffee grounds, consciously sourced from a farm that employs over 80 former sex trafficking victims. As a member of the 1% For the Planet Foundation, Kuju is also proud to support the National Park Foundation. Quality Is Never Instant.®
The Looma Project, Inc. is a company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on enhancing the retail experience through digital storytelling. Established in 2015, Looma manufactures Loop, a network of tablets that display short, human-centric videos designed to connect consumers with the stories behind their products. This platform not only creates brand profiles but also facilitates customer engagement at the point of sale by providing educational and inspirational content. By collaborating with filmmakers and content creators, Looma delivers relevant, point-of-decision videos that enrich the shopping experience and promote deeper connections between consumers and the brands they support.
Grayscale is a developer of a frontline engagement platform aimed at enhancing the recruitment process for enterprise brands. The company's technology streamlines the entire lifecycle of frontline employees, integrating seamlessly with applicant tracking systems and human resources information systems to provide an efficient, unified experience. Grayscale's platform enables organizations to engage talent effectively, automate workflows, and enhance the candidate experience, making it particularly suitable for high-volume hiring. By delivering tools such as bulk texting, automation, and scheduling, Grayscale supports HR and talent acquisition teams in attracting and securing top talent, thereby improving overall hiring outcomes for notable clients across various industries.
PortX’s Fintech Hub is the Integration-Platform-as-a-Service focused on financial services infrastructure that allows open access to core data and simplifies integrations to third-party applications like fintechs. Access to data and the freedom to connect with partners enables rapid project delivery, agile innovation cycles, and optimal user experiences. PortX facilitates interoperability between internal systems and services such as online banking, credit checks, mortgage and loan applications, and more, allowing for a real-time 360-degree view of account holder data. Financial institutions can empower their teams to connect to fintech partners and real-time payment networks like Zelle®, ACH, FedNow, and others. For more information, please visit portx.io and connect on LinkedIn.
Aura Health is a digital wellness company based in San Francisco, California, established in 2015. It offers a mindfulness meditation application for iOS and Android, focusing on stress and anxiety management. The platform serves as a personalized wellness ecosystem, providing users with tailored content and access to a community of therapists and coaches from around the globe. Through its innovative approach, Aura Health aims to enhance mental well-being by integrating mindfulness practices into daily life.
HireHand is a London-based staffing platform designed specifically for food businesses, focusing on providing flexible staffing solutions. The platform utilizes an intelligent algorithm that learns from each shift to improve match quality for clients, ensuring consistent service and reliability for businesses while offering hospitality professionals a range of flexible job opportunities. HireHand collaborates with well-known London food establishments, including Patty&Bun and Bleecker Burger, and draws from a diverse talent pool equipped with various front and back of house skills. The company also emphasizes social responsibility by partnering with organizations such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen and The Prince’s Trust to support individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Founded in 2015, HireHand aims to enhance the staffing experience for both employers and workers in the hospitality sector.
OtherForces
Seed Round in 2020
OtherForces helps companies find finding product/market fit to drive acquisition, engagement, retention, and referrals.
Turaco Inc. is an insurance technology company that specializes in providing health and life insurance services to low-income groups. Established in 2018 and based in Wilmington, Delaware, Turaco utilizes mobile technology to offer simplified insurance products and on-demand health loans. This approach addresses the healthcare financing needs of its customers, enabling them to access affordable medical coverage through manageable monthly premiums. By developing user-friendly mobile applications and online platforms, Turaco aims to enhance access to essential insurance services, particularly in emerging markets.
Resolve is a B2B payments platform that facilitates buy now, pay later billing for business purchases, enabling merchants to offer risk-free net terms to their customers. By streamlining the payment process, Resolve assists manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors in increasing sales and enhancing cash flow. The platform employs non-traditional underwriting data to analyze financing applications, allowing for the authorization of extended payment windows while assuming all repayment risks during the credit period. This service is applicable across various sales channels, including e-commerce checkouts, making it a versatile solution for B2B merchants. Resolve is supported by notable investors, including the co-founder of PayPal and Affirm.
Copper is a new platform created by authors and readers to change the way we interact with books. By assisting authors in reaching and deepening their relationships with readers, the firm is revolutionizing the current publishing industry.
HBCU.vc is a not-for-profit organization connecting and equipping the next generation of black and brown tech innovators and investors. Our Student Investor Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to earn real-world experience in tech and venture capital. Student Investors are paired with investment partners and help to identify startups seeking funding. This unique program allows students to gain the experience they need to jumpstart their career AND make a difference in their community by supporting their local entrepreneurs.
Digitize.AI Inc. specializes in developing innovative technological solutions that leverage Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency in the healthcare sector. Founded in 2017 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company focuses on streamlining prior authorization and utilization management processes for healthcare clients. By employing machine learning and automation, Digitize.AI aims to improve productivity, minimize waste, and enhance the overall experience for both members and patients. The company's solutions are designed to save time and reduce labor costs by automating back-office operations, ultimately supporting healthcare providers in delivering better services. Digitize.AI operates as a subsidiary of Waystar, Inc., further extending its reach in the healthcare technology market.
Rays of Hope Malawi
Seed Round in 2019
Rays of Hope has the vision to ensure that children and youth in Malawi have access to transformative education.
Find Your Trainer is an online marketplace for finding a vetted and certified personal trainer. It connects consumers who need help achieving their health and fitness goals with vetted and certified personal trainers. By providing trainers with sessions during what would otherwise be downtime, FYT users are able to book sessions for up to 50% off the trainer’s regular price. Find Your Trainer partners with top gyms and studios to allow users to book affordable training sessions at their facilities even if they're not members. It makes it super easy to find, book and pay for a personal trainer in just a few clicks. Find Your Trainer was founded in 2013 and is based in New York, United States.
LoanWell, LLC provides a customizable loan origination system designed to streamline the entire loan process, including application intake, underwriting, closing, disbursement, and repayment. Established in 2017 and located in Durham, North Carolina, LoanWell serves community development financial institutions (CDFIs) by automating lending processes to enhance efficiency and deliver affordable capital to individuals and small businesses. The platform allows for secure management of applicant information and required documentation, while offering automated communication to facilitate application completion. By focusing on equitable access to capital, LoanWell aims to support mission-driven lenders in fostering community growth and economic development.
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