Higher Ground Labs

Higher Ground Labs (HGL) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Chicago, United States, dedicated to fostering innovation within the progressive political technology sector. Established with a clear mission to build a robust ecosystem for tools and platforms that empower progressive campaigns and organizations, HGL identifies and invests in early-stage startups that are developing solutions for voter engagement, fundraising, data analytics, and grassroots organizing. The firm's strategic focus is on leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and impact of the progressive movement, addressing critical needs in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

Since its inception, Higher Ground Labs has become a significant player in the civic tech space, demonstrating a consistent commitment to its niche. The firm typically invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, providing crucial early capital to nascent companies. HGL has deployed over $50 million into the progressive tech ecosystem, underscoring its substantial financial commitment to the sector. This capital has been strategically allocated across a diverse portfolio, with the firm having invested in over 100 companies to date, reflecting a broad and impactful reach within its specialized domain.

HGL's investment model is characterized by its hands-on approach, often providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and network access to its portfolio companies. For initial investments, Higher Ground Labs typically writes checks ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, tailored to the early-stage needs of the startups it backs. While these initial checks are designed to provide foundational support, the firm also has the capacity for follow-on investments, which can extend up to $500,000, demonstrating a commitment to supporting its portfolio companies as they scale. This structured investment approach, combined with its deep sector expertise, positions Higher Ground Labs as a vital catalyst for technological advancement within the progressive political sphere.