Upstart Co-Lab

Upstart Co-Lab is connecting capital to creative people who make a profit and make a difference. Since 2016, Upstart Co-Lab has framed the creative economy as an impact investing priority, garnered international attention for impact investing in the creative economy, and directly connected more than $18 million of impact capital with creative economy opportunities. Upstart’s research has shown that the creative economy offers investors impact value, commercial viability, and innovative edge; correlates with diversity, equity, inclusion; and is relevant in both developed and developing markets. Upstart Co-Lab is a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. A field-builder, catalyst and connector, Upstart Co-Lab frames the creative economy as an impact investing priority, defining a Creativity Lens. We help investors who value art, design, culture, and heritage target their capital to deliver financial returns plus environmental and social impact. We help all impact investors see high quality opportunities in industries they might otherwise overlook like ethical fashion, sustainable food, and social impact media.