Resolution Foundation

Resolution Ventures is funding solutions that benefit adults in work, or going into work, that are:

• low-paid workers, or those with limited prospects.
• insecure workers: those on zero-hours contracts, temporary contracts, the self-employed, gig workers, workers in insecure conditions.
• workers lacking voice & representation and those at greater risk of discrimination.
• workers with lower-level qualifications, and/or limited access to training.

Our investment criteria:

• An innovative technical solution: An innovative technical solution to improve the lives of low-paid or insecure workers. This could be either a new technology, or an innovative way of using an existing technology to tackle a particular issue for workers.
• Evidence your solution fits the problem: Some evidence that the proposed solution can address the targeted problem, for example user research and engagement, prototype testing, or onboarding of initial customers.
• Strong market understanding: A strong understanding of the problem and market, including a clear understanding of the workers you are trying to reach, how you will reach them, and your competitors in the market.
• Accessible and affordable: Accessible and affordable, with a sustainable business model. This means keeping costs low for end-users, and identifying other sources of income such as employers or training providers.
• A talented team: A talented team of diverse founders with commitment to the mission and vision, with appropriate technical experience within the team.
• Fair employment practices: A commitment to fair employment practices, including fair pay and the Living Wage, within the organisation. As the Resolution Foundation exists to improve living standards for those on low to middle incomes, we are looking to support ventures that align with our values in their own employment practices.

We add value to our portfolio companies through opening up access to the Resolution Foundation’s renowned research on low-paid and precarious work, supporting founders to measure their impact, and connecting them to our wide network of future investors and supporters. We also work with a group of experienced Venture Partners that assist with key ongoing commercial matters like financial modeling. Lastly, we support the promotion of our portfolio to the wider public domain, for example at events and on social media.