Omidyar Network has announced the launch of PlaceFund, an independent nonprofit organization focused on solving the inter-related problems of insecure property rights, unsustainable land use and climate change.
PlaceFund is built off a decade of experience as Omidyar Network’s property rights initiative.
PlaceFund will identify NGOs with bold ideas focused on solving the inter-related problems of insecure property rights, unsustainable land use and climate change, assist them in sharpening their technical solutions and further developing the business acumen needed to scale those solutions. In the spirit of venture style mentoring, PlaceFund will support organizations by providing access to funding, strategy, networking, operational support, technology mentoring, market insights, strategic communications, impact measurement, and more.
The company will be led by Peter Rabley and Amy Regas, who will be leaving Omidyar Network to run this venture. Nigerian tech entrepreneur and investor, Victor Asemota, founder of Swifta Systems and Monique Villa, Special Advisor to Thomson Reuters’ President and CEO have been appointed on the Board of the company.
PlaceFund is beginning with over US$30 million under active management. Omidyar Network has generously provided additional seed funding for PlaceFund, and PlaceFund is actively raising additional capital which will be used to support promising NGOs with bold ideas.
PlaceFund’s current geographic focus is primarily on emerging markets with an emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America
