Pivotal Ventures

Pivotal is a group of organizations founded by Melinda French Gates in 2015. The organization works to accelerate social progress through high-impact investments, philanthropy, partnerships, and advocacy, with a focus on empowering more people—especially women—in the United States and globally. Pivotal comprises Pivotal Ventures, LLC, and the Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, a private foundation.

They believe that every individual should have an equal opportunity to improve their life and the lives of others. Equality is a precondition for social progress, but equality alone is not enough. While everyone may one day have the same access to opportunities, many will continue to confront political, cultural and institutional obstacles simply because of who they are. They envision a world where all individuals have a chance to contribute, participate, and live a better life. Which is why they're pushing for a more equitable country—one that works for everyone, equally, because at Pivotal, they believe removing the barriers that hold people back improves life for all.

Their Work

They support partners advancing progress for women and families in the United States. Their strategies are guided by data, experts and those with lived experience in our focus areas. They use both philanthropic and investment capital to fund transformational ideas, people and organizations.

They take two approaches to investment:

They Seed Innovation
They believe transformational ideas come from everywhere. They invest in early-stage, untested or provocative approaches that create a path to impact at scale.

They Advance the Field
They support emerging and existing leaders, build capacity and drive alignment toward common goals.