Are you raising impact capital for the creative economy?
Upstart Co-Lab connects capital with creative people who make a profit and make a difference.
Our Inclusive Creative Economy Strategy is the first impact investment vehicle for the U.S. creative industries. We are investing in a portfolio of companies and funds, seeking market rate returns, prioritizing diverse founders and fund managers, and delivering people-focused impact: quality jobs, vibrant communities, and sustainable creative lives.
If you are a mission-driven entrepreneur growing a creative sector business; or an impact fund manager investing in food, fashion, media & entertainment, the creator economy and other creative industries — we would love to hear from you.
We are seeking companies and funds meeting the following criteria:
- Operating in the creative economy
- Generating market-rate returns for investors
- Delivering, measuring and reporting on social impact
- Based in the U.S.
Our current investment priorities include:
FUNDS
- Emerging venture capital funds (i.e. Fund I and Fund II, $10-$100 million)
- With >50% pipeline and portfolio exposure to companies in the creative industries
- Diverse fund management team
- Based in the U.S., investing in U.S.-based companies
- Demonstrated investment track record
- Compelling value-add strategy aligned with Upstart’s impact thesis
- Commitment to impact reporting
COMPANIES
- Raising Seed or Series A equity
- In the creative industries
- With a confirmed qualified lead investor
- Diverse management team
- Based in the U.S., employing U.S. workers, serving U.S. customers
- Demonstrated market traction with >$500k in trailing 12-month revenue
- Compelling impact strategy aligned with Upstart’s impact thesis
- Commitment to impact reporting
The following are out of scope for Upstart at this time:
- Nonprofit organizations seeking grant support
- Individual creative projects such as films, live productions, art installations
- Real estate
- NFTs, crypto
Once we receive your submission, Upstart Co-Lab will:
- Confirm receipt and share a list of helpful resources for impact capital seekers.
- Review for inclusion in Upstart Co-Lab’s landscape of impact investment opportunities in the U.S. creative economy. This landscape fuels Upstart’s field building activities, including our thought leadership and earned media.
- Consider investment from the Inclusive Creative Economy Strategy.
For inquiries related to funds and companies seeking impact capital, please reach out to pipeline@upstartco-lab.org. All other inquiries can be directed to info@upstartco-lab.org.