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Upfund Capital, also known as the Urban Philanthropic Fund, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2016 by undergraduates at Yale College. The organization is based at Yale University and aims to foster collaboration between the finance and nonprofit sectors. It focuses on developing the next generation of investors and nonprofit leaders to drive positive social impact and sustainable change in their communities.
As of now, Upfund Capital manages an investment portfolio of approximately $90,000, utilizing returns to provide grants to nonprofits. The organization operates under the umbrella of Dwight Hall at Yale, which is dedicated to social justice initiatives. Upfund Capital has been actively involved in supporting local nonprofits, particularly in New Haven, Connecticut, where it addresses underserved needs through its various programs.
Notable milestones include its collaboration with EMERGE CT, a social enterprise that provides transitional work and behavioral training to formerly incarcerated individuals. This partnership exemplifies Upfund Capital's commitment to enhancing the capacity of urban organizations and fostering sustainable growth in the community.
Upfund Capital operates through three main areas: investments, nonprofit consulting, and development. The organization focuses on sectors such as healthcare, technology, media, telecommunications, industrials, and consumer goods. Its investment strategy includes managing a portfolio that aims to provide grants to early-stage nonprofits addressing critical needs in urban communities.
The organization emphasizes sustainable growth and social impact, particularly in urban areas. Upfund Capital's nonprofit consulting division assists urban organizations in evaluating their initiatives and enhancing their capacity for social impact. The development segment focuses on empowering urban communities through sustainable growth, ensuring that the benefits of their investments are felt widely.
Check sizes are not specified, but the organization utilizes its investment returns to support nonprofits with grants. Upfund Capital seeks to bridge the gap between finance and nonprofit sectors, fostering the next generation of investors and nonprofit leaders to drive social impact in urban communities.
Upfund Capital has a notable portfolio company, EMERGE CT, which is a New Haven-based social enterprise that provides transitional work and behavioral training to formerly incarcerated individuals. Upfund Capital has collaborated with EMERGE CT on various projects, including developing impact reports and launching marketing campaigns. This partnership has raised over $30,000 for the organization, demonstrating Upfund Capital's commitment to enhancing the operational capacity and social impact of its portfolio companies.
While EMERGE CT is the primary focus of Upfund Capital's portfolio, the organization also supports various early-stage nonprofits in the New Haven area through its consulting services and grants. The investment strategy is designed to address underserved needs in the community, ensuring that the organizations supported are equipped to make a significant social impact.
Vishal Patel - Chair, Alumni Board. Vishal has a background in finance and social impact, contributing to Upfund Capital's strategic direction.
Zane Anthony - Alumni Board. Zane brings experience in nonprofit management and community engagement to the organization.
Diego Haro - Alumni Board. Diego has expertise in social entrepreneurship and supports Upfund Capital's mission through his insights.
Nina Huang - Alumni Board. Nina focuses on enhancing the operational capacity of nonprofit organizations.
Michael Huang - Alumni Board. Michael has a background in investment management and contributes to Upfund Capital's financial strategies.
Royce Tiger - Executive Board Member. Royce has experience in nonprofit consulting and supports Upfund Capital's initiatives.
Darius Jing - Executive Board Member. Darius focuses on community development and social impact strategies.
Michael Ning - Executive Board Member. Michael has expertise in fundraising and donor relations.
Ali Otuzoglu - Co-President. Ali leads the organization and focuses on strategic partnerships.
Zeyna Malik - Co-President. Zeyna oversees operations and community engagement efforts.
Aaron Lin - Head of Non-Profit Consulting. Aaron provides consulting services to enhance nonprofit capacity.
Nelson Wang - Co-Head of Investments. Nelson manages the investment portfolio and grant distribution.
Mateo Pechon-Elkins - Co-Head of Investments. Mateo collaborates on investment strategies and nonprofit support.
Taban Malihi - Head of Grants. Taban oversees grant distribution and nonprofit partnerships.
Andrew Constantine - Director of Investments. Andrew focuses on investment management and community impact.
To pitch to Upfund Capital, founders should visit their website at theupfund.org for specific application guidelines. It is recommended to include a detailed overview of the organization's mission, impact goals, and how they align with Upfund Capital's focus areas.
Founders should prepare a pitch deck that clearly outlines their operational strategies, community engagement efforts, and metrics for measuring social impact. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, it is advisable to follow up after submitting an application to ensure it has been received.
Upfund Capital runs one primary program, known as the Upfund Capital. This program focuses on providing grants and consulting services to early-stage nonprofits in the New Haven area. The program aims to enhance the operational capacity of these organizations and support their social impact initiatives.
Eligibility for the program includes being an early-stage nonprofit addressing critical needs in urban communities. Organizations interested in applying can visit Upfund Capital's website for more information on how to apply.
In recent activities, Upfund Capital has collaborated with EMERGE CT on various projects, including developing impact reports and launching marketing campaigns. This partnership has raised over $30,000 for EMERGE CT, demonstrating Upfund Capital's commitment to enhancing the capacity of urban organizations.
Upfund Capital continues to support local nonprofits in New Haven, focusing on sustainable growth and social impact. The organization has been actively involved in evaluating initiatives and providing consulting services to strengthen urban organizations.
What are Upfund Capital's investment criteria?
Upfund Capital focuses on early-stage nonprofits that address critical needs in urban communities, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and social services. The organization evaluates potential partners based on their capacity for social impact and sustainability.
How can organizations apply or pitch to Upfund Capital?
Organizations interested in partnering with Upfund Capital can visit their website at theupfund.org for more information on the application process. It is advisable to provide a clear outline of the organization's mission, impact goals, and how they align with Upfund Capital's focus areas.
What makes Upfund Capital different from traditional venture capital firms?
Upfund Capital is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing grants and consulting services rather than equity investments. This approach allows them to support early-stage nonprofits without the expectation of financial returns typical of traditional venture capital.
What is Upfund Capital's geographic scope?
Upfund Capital primarily operates in the New Haven area, focusing on urban communities in the United States. The organization aims to address local needs through its investments and consulting services.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Upfund Capital have?
Upfund Capital provides ongoing support to its portfolio organizations through consulting services that enhance their operational capacity and social impact. This includes developing impact reports and assisting with marketing efforts.
What is the size of Upfund Capital's fund and check sizes?
Upfund Capital manages an investment portfolio of approximately $90,000, using returns to provide grants to nonprofits. Specific check sizes are not disclosed, but the organization focuses on supporting early-stage nonprofits.
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