“The venture community is just starting to take notice of the enormous opportunity for growth that exists in the giving market,” said Cummins. “And like in so many of their other early stage investments, we are excited that FirstMark has the vision to be at the forefront of this new category.”
“Matt and Ryan have a compelling vision for a three-side marketplace that can transform charitable giving,” said Heitzmann. “They have established Omaze as the category leader, and we are excited to partner with their team to help them broaden their marketplace by adding categories, products and services that can capture the huge opportunity.”
Omaze campaigns have supported numerous causes, from empowering veterans and establishing after school programs to providing access to safe drinking water. Funds raised via the Omaze community have gone towards helping UK charity Julia’s House build a new children’s hospice center in the UK, supporting (RED) campaign’s goal to see 10,000 babies enter the world free of HIV, 100 athletes being able to participate in the 2015 Special Olympic World Games – and much more.