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Criterion launches ventures that create a better world.

We work with individuals and organizations that have a bold vision for what is possible for the world and partner with them to translate that vision into sustainable ventures.

We bring to these ventures a wealth of connections, nimbleness to navigate complexity, and a deep commitment to social change.

The world is already connected. Invitation makes those connections visible and allows individual actions to leverage incredible impact.

Consider yourself invited.

Our Offering:

Criterion launches social ventures that create a better world.

We have built Criterion Ventures out of webs of relationships. We play in these webs and make deep commitments to a select number of new ventures. Each of these ventures receives dedicated time, creativity, commitment and connections from the core team at Criterion.

Criterion has the people, the experience, the connections and the flexibility to move initiatives forward. We play three distinct roles, depending on the context:

1. Leadership in independent ventures: When we find a partner and we share an idea, we take a lead role and partner with them in initiating all of the various activities required to launch an effective enterprise.
2. Formation and facilitation of a collaborative effort: Where there is an important need or idea, but no clear structure for executing, we take a leadership role. We build relationships, consider models and hold the space for a suitable structure to emerge.
3. Execution of an organization's vision: Where there is an organization or individual launching a new venture, we play a more traditional consulting role. We bring our talent, expertise and connections to help name the idea, structure the enterprise, and execute the vision.

What makes our offering unique?

1. We are committed to execution beginning with a flexible plan and diving in. We often serve as executive managers in the early stages to reduce early risks and decrease time to revenue.
2. We have credibility in the social change space because we have kept our commitments there. In the sustained relationships where we work, we are chosen most often for our values.
3. We show up and help. We have the business acumen to build profitable ventures and we thrive in the throws of complex implementation.
4. We bring powerful, engaged and diverse relationships to the table and engage our network to get to the right people to make a venture work.
5. We attract free ions, people who have more energy for the world than they consume. Free ions give of their social capital relatively easily, are open with advice, and get excited about the work of others.