Omidyar Network

At Omidyar Network, we are investing in generative AI that protects and promotes the public interest and prioritizes the long-term benefit of humanity. That’s why, alongside Ford Foundation and Nathan Cummings Foundation, we recently acquired shares in Anthropic, a leading generative AI company recognized for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and safety. In the latest ImpactAlpha piece, hear from our CEO Michael Kubzansky and others about why we made the investment and why other funders should join us 👇

That was fun! I loved exploring "Expressions of Belonging" at the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley conference with fellow wide-eyed travelers Ashley Gallegos, Cary Simmons, Judith Mowry she/her, and Liz Baxter. A few nuggets from me: 🌱 There are many pathways for resourcing belonging, but at Omidyar Network we try to nurture the emerging pattern of "bright spots" across society. 🪢 In the United States, we see the work of building belonging and cultivating repair as deeply intertwined. 💵 To get to where we're going -- a more equal and connected America where all belong -- this work requires historic investment in social infrastructure, innovation, and imagination (ask me for examples). 🎶 We're going to need artists, troubadours, and diverse moral voices for the journey ahead. 🪩 "A disco ball,” Nile Rodgers said, “is a reflection of you and everyone around you.” I said a bunch of things about disco, too, but will spare you...

At Omidyar Network, we're proud of the diverse backgrounds, motivations, and expertise our colleagues bring to our team. This month, we're celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month 🎉 Throughout the month, hear from our colleagues about how their cultures influence their work and what their heritage means to them. First, our Chief Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer Beth Kanter shares how Jewish values align with her career and recent reflections about Passover and the meaning of freedom 👇🎙️

Healthy economies, societies, and democracies are only possible when working people have the agency to demand—and get—a fair share of the economic success their work produced. And the age of AI is no different. This International Workers' Day, explore our perspectives on worker power and how we've been working with partners to support them 💪 👓 Read "Our Vision for the Future of Workers and Work" (https://lnkd.in/dTtKu9cx) 🎥 Watch a video about how Coworker Solidarity Fund is mobilizing financial support for working people taking action (https://lnkd.in/gHjmRfGM) 🔎 Explore a deep dive by The Brookings Institution's Molly Kinder about how Hollywood writers became the first workers to secure contract protections regarding generative AI (https://lnkd.in/gbFasmC8) 📖 Read an op-ed from our CEO Michael Kubzansky and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on why labor unions must have a voice in how AI is implemented (https://lnkd.in/dk7-MexQ) 🎥 Watch a video about how AFL-CIO Technology Institute is bridging the intersection between worker power and tech advancement (https://lnkd.in/g5q3-W7q)

In case you missed it, here are the '5 big things' from our last newsletter 👇 1️⃣ A new investment in Anthropic and responsible AI development 2️⃣ A perspective on why labor unions must have a voice in how AI is implemented 3️⃣ An introduction to the first tech journalist in our Reporters in Residence program (and invitation to apply for our next cohort) 4️⃣ Our experience supporting narrative change on economic issues 5️⃣ Insights from conversations with rural Americans about building an inclusive economy Read the newsletter + subscribe to never miss an update: https://lnkd.in/gU6snD9U

Loved joining a wonderful panel at Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley’s annual conference! Along with Mohammed Naeem of American Immigration Council, Rachelle Reeder of Ad Council, and Míriam Juan-Torres González, we discussed narrative bridging strategies for promoting belonging and reducing division. Some topics I touched on: 🚦A solutions-oriented approach to storytelling. Across the ideological spectrum, we’re seeing a desire for action as audiences grasp issues but seek an understanding of the pathways forward. 📚 Complicating the narrative. Stories with nuanced and layered characters are harder to pigeonhole and have more chance of resonating across ideological divides.  ❤️ Getting creative about cutting through. For narratives to resonate in a time of overwhelm and uncertainty, what unique methods can we consider? Artists, comedians, and other creative voices have an ability to reach us at the emotive level rather than just the logical.  🪙 Resources are required. Dedicated funds for narrative change and cultural strategies, alongside research, policy, programmatic work etc are critical when working towards social change. Cecilie Surasky, Sara Grossman and team did a beautiful job of facilitating intimate group discussions and setting the table for us to learn together, thanks for having me and the Omidyar Network crew David T. Hsu & Fanta Condé.

To build more equitable and healthy societies, we must reimagine the systems and ideas that govern our daily lives, from economic mindsets to political and cultural divides. That's why we've supported Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to launch the “Restoring the Common Good Initiative," a bipartisan commission to host meaningful discussions about moving away from divisive zero-sum mindsets and exploring new paths to help Americans live more fulfilled lives. Sen. Murphy and Gov. Cox will be joined by a diverse group of leaders (including Omidyar Network partners): Harvard University philosopher Ian Marcus Corbin; the American Enterprise Institute’s Tim Carney and Yuval Levin; social activist Bishop William Joseph Barber II; Roosevelt Institute President Felicia Wong; Brigham Young University psychology professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad; and journalist Sam Quinones. Learn more about the initiative 👇 https://lnkd.in/d27x23Fz

Hear from our colleague Wafa Ben-Hassine about how our work on generative AI evolved last year 👇 and read our full POV here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ehKjqZwR

The private equity industry invests over $25 trillion in capital across every sector of the global economy. Companies owned by private equity firms employ 12 million+ Americans, but some have been mired in scandal because of poor labor practices. The good news: five major pension funds have committed to upholding robust labor standards in their private equity portfolios, with more than $1 trillion in capital committed. This work would not be possible without the collective efforts of labor leaders, private sector allies, and more, including Renaye Manley, MBA, Jennifer O’Dell, Dan Pedrotty, Hamilton Lane, Meketa Investment Group, and Segal Marco Advisors. At Omidyar Network, we've invested in: 📣 raising awareness about private equity’s role in the economy, highlighting its impacts on society, 🔎 advocating for policies that enhance transparency and accountability in private equity, and 💸 accelerating the adoption of responsible investing practices within the industry. Thanks to our partners, including Novata, For the Long Term, Private Equity Stakeholder Project, Poynter Institute, United for Respect and Americans for Financial Reform for joining us in this journey. https://lnkd.in/eRw8aqWz

Private investor activity is not a substitute for robust policy and regulatory action on #generativeAI to ensure that it rolls out in a pro-social fashion. But it's a vital complement, as we discussed with ImpactAlpha regarding our recent investment in Anthropic alongside Roy Swan of Ford Foundation and Rey Ramsey of Nathan Cummings Foundation. Proud to partner with our peer foundations in extending the impact investing toolkit into this domain. Omidyar Network https://lnkd.in/eNB2augg