Chicago-based venture firm Impact Engine has just announced the launch of a new investment fund for early-stage tech companies focused on improving education, health and economic empowerment.
The fund is managed by CEO Jessica Droste Yagan and CIO Tasha Seitz, and aims to bring together investors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists from across the US who “believe investment dollars can and should have a positive impact on society and the environment.”
And included among these investors and entrepreneurs are Droste Yagan’s husband & OkCupid co-founder Sam Yagan, along with fellow OkCupid co-founder Christian Rudder.
Speaking about the fund, Droste Yagan said: “This new fund gives us an opportunity to build upon the positive early track record of Impact Engine’s three years as an accelerator.
“We are thrilled to continue to grow the impact investing ecosystem–supporting impact investors while moving more financial and human capital to the most promising impact entrepreneurs.”
Impact Engine will invest between $25,000 and $250,000 in around 25 early-stage tech companies through 2018.
Yagan and Rudder are joined in their participation by investors such as Crate & Barrel co-founder Gordon Segal, TrunkClub co-founder Brian Spaly and Protein Bar founder Matt Matros.
Explaining why he got involved in the fund, OkCupid co-founder Christian Rudder said: ”I love the idea that capitalism and social good can go hand in hand.
“It’s extremely exciting to be a part of an organization leading the way for investors and entrepreneurs who are proving this out.”
Read more about the fund here.