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There is that famous saying; your network is your net worth. We are thrilled to highlight the following social impact angel investors and family offices that support RiseKit. CEO Matt Strauss explains, "Our investors are extremely philanthropic, but they also want to innovate the way people get jobs to make a systems change. I realized all of our investors wrote the check because we are truly a mission fit, and signed the check with vision-fit."
Read more about the people who have joined us in helping people rise.
Richard Price
Chicago Business Executive
Why did you invest in RiseKit?
I invested in RiseKit because I believe in the importance of breaking down silos to help underserved communities advance and collaborate. When Matt raised the public and private sectors' need to get involved, I immediately wanted to engage. The potential social impact of RiseKit is invaluable, and the number of Americans who will have an opportunity to gain economic mobility as a result of this software network is exponential. I am pleased to invest alongside other Chicago area leaders in this mission-oriented social enterprise.
Sylvie Légère
The Policy Circle
Why did you invest in RiseKit?
To make a difference in health, education, and safety, businesses need to reach out and create career pathways for people who live in distressed communities. RiseKit is the dashboard for companies to transform lives directly.
Inspirational quote:
"What gets measured gets done."
Tom Gimbel
Founder and CEO, LaSalle Network
Why did you invest in RiseKit?
RiseKit benefits the communities that need it most by providing individuals with opportunities to overcome the hand life dealt them. I've always believed that education, coupled with opportunity and employment, helps level the playing field and ensures everyone can succeed. The social unrest in our country has helped shine the spotlight even brighter on the prevalent injustices in our cities. RiseKit is doing its part to support the black and brown communities by connecting individuals with quality careers and employment training.
Inspirational quote:
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity," by roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Ryan Daube
Peregrade Ventures
Why did you invest in RiseKit?
RiseKit is important to Peregrade Ventures because a fair and equitable job market is a key underpinning of a well functioning capitalistic economy. With increasing wealth disparity being the result of unequal opportunities, RiseKit exists to provide disadvantaged communities with the full suite of training, services, resources, and employment opportunities to enable folks to control their own destiny and create a clear path to an improved life for themselves and their families.
Inspirational quote:
"Progress, not perfection, is what we should be asking of ourselves and each other."
Leonard Mills
President and CEO, Verte Opportunity Fund
Why did you invest in RiseKit?
Vocational barriers are significant challenges for the residents in Opportunity Zones and all similarly distressed communities. These barriers include a lack of education or work skills, lack of work experience, and behaviors or disabilities. Fundamentally, RiseKit is about breaking down barriers to economic mobility.
Scott Kallick
Life and Business Coach, Transformative Business Coaching
Why did you invest in RiseKit?
The basis for my investment was getting to know and understand Matt. Once I understood the depth of his commitment and his vision to transform our cities and go to war against poverty, it became an easy decision. Watching him build an organization made me desire to be a part of it.
Inspirational quote:
"If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Thad Wong
Co-founder and co-CEO, @properties
Why did you invest in RiseKit?
I always want to support the community and RiseKit offered an infinite way to make an impact by using technology.
Inspirational Quote:
"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." - Mike Tyson
Patrick Lowndes
Faith Driven Investor
Why did you invest in RiseKit:
I work in the tech industry, and it's frustrating to see so many people who come from the same socio-economic background, coming from a place of privilege and opportunity, getting the best jobs. When I heard what Matt was doing and how he was intentionally working with City Governments, Non-Profits, and Capacity building organizations, I saw that his vision actually had the teeth to accomplish the mission. With all the racial tension present in our country, now is the time for a company like RiseKit to level the playing field economically for so many overlooked and underserved communities. We can't perpetuate what we've always done and expect different results. This is why I'm excited about backing RiseKit.
Inspirational Quote:
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
