Wisdom Ventures

Giant Leap was launched in 2016 by The Impact Investment Group (IIG) as Australia’s first venture capital fund 100% dedicated to investing in impact startups. Giant Leap was a collaboration between IIG, led by Will Richardson, and Small Giants, the family office of Danny Almagor OAM and Berry Liberman along with venture partners, Kylie Charlton representing Australian Impact Investments, Peter Cameron and Adam Milgrom who were also the Fund I’s cornerstone investors. The inaugural advisors to Giant Leap were Danny Almagor, Bevan Clarke, Susan Wu, Mark Joiner and Alicia Darvall. To date, Giant Leap has invested in over 25 companies that can deliver superior financial returns alongside real and measurable social and environmental benefits, and has consistently performed in the top quartile of funds of its vintage. In 2021, Giant Leap spun out from IIG into a new independent entity solely focussed on Impact Venture Capital with IIG continuing to provide back-office support. It also started raising its second fund, Giant Leap Fund II. Giant Leap is currently investing from Giant Leap Fund II and will continue its mission to back game-changing founders re-imagining industries and using business as a force for good. Our ValuesAct with radical candour – Care personally and challenge directly. We value self-awareness and acknowledge we don’t know all the answers. We trust others to highlight opportunities and blind spots that we can’t see. Think with an abundance mindset – We seek to be generous and without expectation or ego when giving to others. We believe that a rising tide will lift all boats. We value collaboration and seek to grow the pie. Lead by example – We exist to demonstrate the power of startups to solve the world’s problems to guide us to a cleaner, healthier, happier future. We act with courage, integrity and kindness to challenge the status quo. Play the long game – We are strategic in our decision-making and think about the consequences of our actions and inactions. We respect the past, present and future. Be human – We value human connection and seek joy in life. We understand the importance of relationships and acknowledge we are only one piece of the puzzle. Without others, there is no self.

Pivotal Ventures (“Pivotal”) is an investment and incubation company created by Melinda French Gates. We partner, invest, and advocate to remove barriers that hold people back, concentrating on areas where progress and opportunity have stalled for millions of Americans. The pursuit of a more equal and equitable United States - not just for some of us, but for everyone - is what drives us forward. It's the why behind every problem we tackle. We approach partnership with big ambitions and open minds, embracing what’s already working and innovating beyond traditional philanthropy. Some areas we focus on: women in technology and innovation; Women in public office; women and girls of color; adolescent mental health; paid family and medical leave; and caregiving. Inspired by our founder, we reach across communities and sectors to bring together changemakers who can scale up proven ideas and catalyze new ones. We learn from their experiences, amplify their resources, then step back so they can lead. Our impatience with the status quo is fueled by an optimism that progress is always possible.

INCO Ventures manages or advises more than €500M of assets to invest in the most promising start-ups and companies that are shaping the new inclusive and sustainable economy, and advises funds on their investments or on impact measurement. Accelerating game-changers of social economy & sustainable development As we are facing widening inequalities and ecological collapse, we believe it is critical to build a more inclusive and more sustainable economy.​ Achieving this vision requires the creation and development of ventures that offer solutions to our current major social and environmental issues, while creating new markets and jobs for tomorrow. To fund these companies, INCO Ventures manages or advises more than €500M to meet their needs, wherever they are located. To its investors, INCO Ventures ensures a triple return on investment: economic, social and environmental, clearly measured using a unique impact assessment tool: INCO Ratings. INCO Ventures thus brings another vision of finance. A finance anchored in the real world, close to the companies that are making a difference, and creating value for all: citizens, employees, entrepreneurs and investors.

LUMO Labs is an impact-driven multi-stage (pre-seed through series A) capital fund with a two-year venture builder program for founding teams of ventures focused on AI/Data, Blockchain, Robotics/Drones, IoT, and/or VR/AR. We believe these emerging technologies hold the key to solving the social challenges people face today. At LUMO Labs, we focus on sustainable cities and communities, health and wellbeing and quality education. We create opportunities for people and emerging technologies by connecting impact-driven groundbreaking start-ups to our funds, our expertise, our network and each other.

We invest in companies with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a favorable financial return. The goal is to have at least 50% of female-founded projects in our portfolio.

We have two funds: Future Ventures: The way consumers want to engage with their money and plan for their financial future is changing. Through Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, we look for partners who are developing tools and platforms to help us deliver the experience clients need, want and deserve; who are shaping the future of health and wellness; and who are bringing new technologies and enhanced analytics to market. Cream City Venture Capital: We're committed to being a catalyst for business growth in our home town. Cream City Venture Capital is dedicated to investing solely in startups based in southeast Wisconsin. Beyond capital, Cream City Venture Capital portfolio companies get access to our network of mentors and state-of-the-art co-working space. We look to partner with companies that are leveraging technology to address challenges across any industry. More Than Just Funding We support and drive growth with value-add platform services, connecting our portfolio companies to resources within and outside of Northwestern Mutual. By accelerating learning and connecting to experts, we can help founders quickly overcome growth challenges and increase the likelihood of their startup’s success. Leveraging Northwestern Mutual: Industry insights and expertise gained over 160+ years Business Development: Strategic connections to potential partners or customers Talent & Leadership Development: Growing and developing founders and their teams as they grow their business Marketing & Communication: Amplification of founders’ personal and company brands through consultation with Northwestern Mutual’s experts Community & Events: Access to best practices and opportunities by connecting with other founders, Northwestern Mutual executives and influencers Investing in and Supporting Startups Founded by Women and Black Entrepreneurs Female-founded startups receive less than three percent of the approximately $80 billion in venture capital annually, and Black founders receive less than one percent. As part of our ongoing commitment to women and diversity, we’ve dedicated a total of $40 million to investing in startup companies founded by women and Black entrepreneurs. This funding allocation will advance the company’s investment strategy of engaging startups whose technologies have the potential to transform how clients experience financial security, as well as increase focus on technological disruption. The investment criteria align with NM Future Ventures' key strategic areas of focus.