Global Philanthropic Organization

The journey of The Omidyar Group began with the transformative success of an idea that reshaped commerce and connection in the digital age. In 1995, technologist and entrepreneur Pierre Omidyar launched eBay, a platform built on the radical belief that people are inherently good and trustworthy. This venture didn't just create a marketplace; it cultivated a global community, empowering millions to build livelihoods and connect over shared interests. The unprecedented success of eBay provided Pierre and his wife, Pam, with a unique opportunity to reflect on how they could apply their resources and innovative thinking to address some of the world's most complex social challenges. Their philanthropic journey started with the establishment of the Omidyar Family Foundation in 1998, but they soon realized that traditional grant-making had its limitations. They sought a more dynamic, flexible, and impactful way to catalyze change, one that could harness the power of markets and investment for social good.

This vision culminated in the formation of The Omidyar Group, a diverse and ever-evolving collection of companies, organizations, and initiatives. Officially taking shape with the creation of the Omidyar Network in 2004, the group adopted a pioneering hybrid model of philanthropy. It operates as both a philanthropic investment firm and a private foundation, allowing it to invest in for-profit companies with a social mission alongside providing grants to non-profit organizations. This dual approach enables them to be nimble, take calculated risks on early-stage innovations, and support ventures that are often too small for traditional banks but too large for microfinance. Over the years, The Omidyar Group has expanded its focus, spinning off specialized organizations like Humanity United to combat human rights abuses, Luminate to champion civic empowerment and data rights, and Flourish to foster financial health. Guided by the core belief in human capability and the power of individuals to create positive change, The Omidyar Group continues to explore, incubate, and support new ideas and strategic frameworks across areas like governance, technology, and community well-being, striving to build more equitable and resilient societies around the globe.