Austin Ward

The 21 Fund is group supporting the next generation of Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) startups. "The Fund" offers ongoing support to our entrepreneurs and fosters lifelong relationships within the class of 2021. Our mission is to be the most hands-on and value-add partner to every GSB ‘21 founder. We leverage the strength and breadth of experience of our class through a network of 230+ individuals from the class of 2021 and a dedicated Platform Team for portfolio support. Follow us on Twitter at @21_fund.

Playground Global is an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm investing in technical founders to transform ambitious ideas into high-impact businesses. We help build companies at the earliest stages, leveraging our engineering expertise and commitment to founders taking scientific and technological risks. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Playground invests in areas like next-generation computing, automation, energy transition, and engineered biology. Our portfolio includes pioneering companies such as PsiQuantum, MosaicML (acq. by Databricks), d-Matrix, Agility Robotics, Ultima Genomics, and Strand Therapeutics. Learn more at www.playground.vc

The GSB Impact Fund is an evergreen fund that invests in early-stage for-profit ventures seeking both financial and social and environmental returns.

The 21 Fund is group supporting the next generation of Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) startups. "The Fund" offers ongoing support to our entrepreneurs and fosters lifelong relationships within the class of 2021. Our mission is to be the most hands-on and value-add partner to every GSB ‘21 founder. We leverage the strength and breadth of experience of our class through a network of 230+ individuals from the class of 2021 and a dedicated Platform Team for portfolio support. Follow us on Twitter at @21_fund.

Playground Global is an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm investing in technical founders to transform ambitious ideas into high-impact businesses. We help build companies at the earliest stages, leveraging our engineering expertise and commitment to founders taking scientific and technological risks. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Playground invests in areas like next-generation computing, automation, energy transition, and engineered biology. Our portfolio includes pioneering companies such as PsiQuantum, MosaicML (acq. by Databricks), d-Matrix, Agility Robotics, Ultima Genomics, and Strand Therapeutics. Learn more at www.playground.vc

The GSB Impact Fund is an evergreen fund that invests in early-stage for-profit ventures seeking both financial and social and environmental returns.

The GSB Impact Fund is an evergreen fund that invests in early-stage for-profit ventures seeking both financial and social and environmental returns.

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.