A coalition of prominent philanthropies—including the Ballmer Group, Gates Foundation, Stand Together, Valhalla Foundation, and John Overdeck—has launched NextLadder Ventures, a $1 billion initiative aimed at advancing economic mobility for low-income Americans. The initiative focuses on deploying personalized, technology-driven solutions that help individuals and families navigate life challenges such as job loss, housing instability, and health crises.
Over the next 15 years, NextLadder Ventures will invest in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations through a combination of grants, equity, and revenue-based financing. The initiative prioritizes solutions co-designed with communities and is supported by Anthropic as its inaugural AI partner, contributing technical expertise and tools to accelerate impact.
The program addresses a long-standing gap in the U.S. economic support system—namely, the lack of adequate capital directed toward innovators building tools for underserved communities. It seeks to build a thriving ecosystem of technology and services that ensure life’s difficult moments do not permanently hinder upward mobility. The initiative complements and extends the work of existing institutions dedicated to increasing opportunity in the U.S.
NextLadder is particularly focused on helping over 90 million Americans struggling to move ahead economically, as well as more than 1.6 million frontline professionals like social workers and legal aid attorneys. By equipping these professionals with scalable technology solutions, the initiative aims to increase their reach and reduce administrative burdens.
The effort emphasizes building solutions with community input, ensuring that safety, privacy, and relevance are integrated into every tool funded. The initiative will measure success by improvements in income levels, support systems, and life outcomes for the people it serves.
Backed by a network of experienced philanthropists and guided by a mission of social mobility, NextLadder Ventures is also supported by Anthropic’s AI capabilities. Grantees will gain access to Claude credits and expert guidance, enhancing their ability to deploy impactful solutions at scale.
With strong leadership, cross-sector funding, and an emphasis on equity and inclusion, NextLadder Ventures seeks to transform the landscape of opportunity in America—creating a future where all people can thrive, regardless of their economic starting point.
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