Introducing Imaginable Futures

We’re thrilled to share that after seven years as Omidyar Network’s Education initiative, today we launch as Imaginable Futures, an independent global philanthropic investment firm focused on the future of learning. Founded and funded by philanthropists and entrepreneurs Pierre and Pam Omidyar, Imaginable Futures begins with our current global portfolio of more than 100 for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations, $200 million of capital invested, and an additional $150 million for operations and investment over the next four years.

As Imaginable Futures, our group’s strategy, approach and team will remain, while our independence will enable us to deepen and specialize our work to have even greater impact on learners, their families and communities. We will continue to utilize the hybrid structure pioneered by Omidyar Network that is part philanthropic foundation and part impact investor, allowing us flexible capital to support both for-profit entrepreneurs harnessing the power of markets, as well as social and public-sector changemakers innovating to produce scalable change. By working across public, private and social sectors, we continue to bring to life transformational ideas for learners of all ages. Our work will continue to center in Africa, Latin America and the United States—as well as in India through close collaboration with our sister organization, Omidyar Network India.

Happy International Education Day!

As we celebrate our launch, today we also honor the United Nations' International Day of Education and proudly affirm that education is a human right, a public good and responsibility, and a powerful force to ensure significant improvements in economic stability and mobility, individual health and well-being, and to unlock the innovation we need to build more resilient and thriving societies.

We know that learning has a unique ability to help people reach their full potential and become thriving, contributing members of society. In today’s complex world, however, skill-sets, relationships and jobs are evolving far faster than ever before. This means we must rethink not only what people learn, but also how and when they learn. We support bold changemakers who are doing exactly that—so that every individual thrives and contributes in a changing and interdependent world.

With 617 million children and adolescents around the world unable to read or do basic math, there has never been a greater need for imaginative ideas and inclusive, collaborative leadership in learning. In the United States alone, more than 7 million children under the age of 5 are not fully ready when they enter kindergarten. Additionally, poor learning outcomes hinder millions of low- and middle-income adult learners in developing the skills needed to adapt and prosper in ways that enable economic mobility and, most importantly, overall well-being.

To address this, Imaginable Futures takes a human-centered approach, recognizing that learning starts early, is unique for each person based on their individual circumstances, and that education can significantly change a family's future for generations.

Thus, we are deeply committed to supporting the whole learner across the many phases of life. During the early stages of learning this means nurturing the different facets of a child’s development—from early literacy, numeracy and science, as well as social emotional competencies, executive functions and physical condition and health. With growing learners, this means investing in, and advocating for, diverse and holistic learning solutions during the principal schooling years. Finally, with adult learners, this means championing and supporting those who seek to develop additional skills that bring increased opportunities for themselves and their families.

We are proud of the impact we’ve had with Omidyar Network, excited about this new chapter as a venture of The Omidyar Group, and eager to work together toward our vision of universal well-being: a future where every learner has the opportunity, tools and support they need to imagine, and to realize, a brighter future.

Read our press release to learn more, follow us @imaginablefut to stay connected, and subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest from Imaginable Futures.