JFF Ventures

JFF Ventures is the strategic venture arm of Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the American workforce and education systems. Based in Boston, JFF Ventures focuses on investing in seed and early-stage technology companies that are developing innovative solutions to create equitable economic advancement for workers and learners. Their investment thesis is deeply rooted in JFF's broader mission, aiming to identify and scale ventures that address critical challenges in workforce development, education, and economic mobility. This unique position allows them to blend financial investment with a strong social impact objective, seeking both financial returns and measurable societal benefits.

The firm typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, targeting companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and alignment with JFF's strategic priorities. In 2022, JFF Ventures announced the close of its first dedicated fund, the JFF Ventures Fund I, with $10 million in capital commitments. This fund empowers them to support a diverse portfolio of startups that are leveraging technology to improve job quality, enhance skills development, and expand access to career pathways, particularly for underserved populations. Their investment scope includes areas such as AI-powered learning platforms, reskilling solutions, talent marketplaces, and tools that support frontline workers.

JFF Ventures distinguishes itself through its deep expertise in the workforce and education sectors, providing portfolio companies with not just capital but also strategic guidance, access to JFF's extensive network of employers, educators, and policymakers, and insights into market needs. They often co-invest alongside other mission-aligned venture capital firms, amplifying their impact and reach. With a growing portfolio of over 20 companies, JFF Ventures is actively shaping the future of work and learning by backing technologies that promise to create more inclusive and prosperous economic opportunities for millions of individuals across the United States.