5 innovative technologies driving progressive voter registration
BallotReady, Civitech, Countable, Impactive, and PDI are helping scale progressive voter registration efforts across the US.
The “To-Earn” Movement: Introducing Advocate-to-Earn
While crypto, NFTs, and DAOs have captured our collective attention due to the prospect of financial returns that underlie their early use cases, the value of the Web3 movement stems from the ability to use these new technologies and organizational models to enhance digital coordination, while better aligning incentives for both collective action and individual-level […]
Recap: HGL’s Virtual New Political Technology Tool Showcase
Higher Ground Labs hosted its first virtual New Political Technology Tool showcase on Thursday, September 23rd. Ten founders of startups in HGL’s 2021 Accelerator pitched a broad range of technology solutions to nearly 300 progressive technologists leading digital innovation for campaigns, advocacy organizations, labor unions and consulting firms across the country. Normally held in person […]
My Summer with Higher Ground Labs
This summer I had the opportunity to work with Higher Ground Labs as a Summer Associate. My job consists of running external communications, assisting portfolio companies, and helping out wherever I could. It’s a small team, so we all wear a few hats. Prior to working directly with Higher Ground Labs, I worked with Calltime.ai […]
Our 2020 Political Tech Landscape Report
Higher Ground Labs is excited to unveil our 2020 Political Tech Landscape Report, a comprehensive account of the biggest political tech trends, opportunities, and learnings coming out of the historic 2020 election cycle. Higher Ground Labs is excited to unveil our 2020 Political Tech Landscape Report, a comprehensive account of the biggest political tech trends, […]
Measuring Our Mission
Written by Shomik Dutta and Teddy Gold. Higher Ground Labs is now three and a half years into our mission. Since inception, HGL has made 61 investments totaling $14.5 million into 37 for-profit political-technology startups. We have vetted close to 500 ideas, led two Series A transactions, celebrated eight acquisitions, and mourned four losses. We have braided talented founders and cutting-edge […]
Our Gold Medal Finish
The 2020 cycle felt like the Olympics. Four years of quiet investment, sacrifice, and preparation were all expended over a few short weeks of intense competition with the whole world watching. After the 2016 election, some yearned for a silver-bullet solution that would guarantee us victory. Of course no such solution ever existed. A diverse […]
Get Ready to Vote with BallotReady
Alex Niemczewski, founder of BallotReady, and her team want to make it easier for everyone to get out and vote. And they’ve done just that. Their comprehensive voter guides and, now, their vote by mail tool, walk voters through the entire VBM process from requesting a ballot to sending it off. Here’s five things BallotReady […]
HGL Primary Debrief Recap
Worked on a primary campaign? We would love your input! Get further involved with the Higher Ground Labs community by taking our survey. After a packed primary featuring a diverse set of impressive, accomplished candidates, the field has narrowed to hold our presumptive Democratic nominee. These candidates ran innovative campaigns led by talented teams. There […]
Our Annual Political Tech Landscape Report
Higher Ground Labs is delighted to share its Annual Political Tech Landscape Report, an in-depth look at the biggest trends and opportunities within the political technology market. Our team has worked over the past year to interview the practitioners, technologists, and entrepreneurs moving this field forward. Building on the framework of our 2018 report, the […]
Adaptive Campaigning: strategies and tools to bridge the COVID gap
The campaign landscape has experienced dramatic shifts as a result of Covid-19. Historically, campaigns are built on face-to-face interaction… the rallies, the field office, the conversations voters have at their door. Now, campaigns have had to abruptly replace these tactics – altering strategy, budget, and hiring. Our goal has not changed, however, and neither has […]
Lesson from Iowa: We Can’t Turn Our Backs on Political Technology
The worst outcome from IA would be a full scale rejection of technology in politics. But there is a lot to learn. We wrote a little bit about our takeaways and Campaigns and Elections picked it up. Read more here.