Christian Venture Capitalists

How would you like: (1) Access to capital and entrepreneurship networks. (2) Theological foundations. (3) Professional consulting services.  These are three of the components of Redeemer's Entrepreneur Incubator.  Here is a church leading the way in thinking through how to connect 'capitalism' with 'Kingdom'.  Keller connects how investment banking can be Kingdom minded in his seminar Cultural Renewal: The Role of the Intrapreneur and the Entrepreneur.  He argues that God is keenly interested in this world and restoring it from the fall.  We are called to bring about this change, but ultimately, it will be fulfilled when Jesus returns.  He goes so far as to say, "the purpose of salvation is to make this world a great place.  Salvation is only a temporary means to an end."

This thinking is most certainly novel.  Are there Christian venture capitalist who desire to seek both earthly and spiritual returns?  A search for "christian venture capitalist" brought only one 'venture capitalist' organization, Kingom Ventures, that "is a philanthropic venture capital firm focused on supporting emerging Christian ministries around the world."  The search also brought an article (Venture Capital and God: Commentary on Kingdom-Based Investing ) by Ken Eldred, who has founded many successful companies including Ariba Technologies, Inc (NASDAQ: ARBA) the leader in the Internet Business-to-Business industry and which has reached a market valuation as high as $40 Billion. He was also Founder, Chairman and CEO of Inmac a company which he took Public in 1987 and grew to $400 million in yearly revenues as the first business to sell computer products, supplies, and accessories by direct mail and later merged with MicroWarehouse.  kingdom-business.jpgI searched for 'Ken Eldred ' and found his own venture capital company, Parakletos Ventures.  Ken served as co-editor of the book, On Kingdom Business: Transforming Missions Through Entrepreneurial Strategies.

On Kingdom Business proposes a new model for using business in missions: kingdom entrepreneurship. Kingdom entrepreneurs are "job-makers," starting for-profit businesses of all sizes–real businesses that meet real needs. This book provides a conceptual foundation for kingdom entrepreneurship and explores its contemporary development using case studies of kingdom businesses and reflecting on the lessons kingdom entrepreneurs have already learned.

I don't know why there aren't more Christians rallying behind the physical expression of God's restorative plan.  It is encouraging to see Al Weiss form Vision USA, with the aim to raise $300 million over the next 10 years for aggressive church planting in 50 of the country's most influential cities.  kiva.gifWeiss is reaching out to business leaders to invest in this necessary plan.  But…

how great would it be to login to a site like Kiva to provide funding support to Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, church planters, missionaries and the lot.  



31 Responses to “Christian Venture Capitalists”

  1. David Overton says:

    As a missionary, I think this is so vital. When I first moved to the Philippines, I struggled to find a nitch that felt right for me. I did not want to start a church and be a pastor, and since I am not in the medical field, our own charity was not the right place. I still administrate and manage it, but it never felt right. The last few years I have been consulting with international businesses that are coming here, mostly for outsourcing, and I finally feel that I am getting close to what God brought me here to do. I have to admit, after reading the article about Ken Eldred that I do see the amazing opportunity here. In the Philippines, the call center marketing is growing very rapidly, particularly since the English here has less of a noticable accent, and to see someone found something like a Christ based outsourcing business would be awesome! Anyway, just wanted to share my thoughts from this side of the world and really comment on what an amazing opportunity there is here. A pastor I know has set up a bead and necklace manufacturing company in Zambia, to help the church members, he then imports the jewelry to the US and sells it. All the proceeds then go back to the church members. I think that is a great idea, but it would be even better if it were web designers, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, and business people!

    Great Article, I am feeling inspired!

  2. Hello!

    Nice to find your article and site. The Lord led me into the art of becoming a matching service for Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists with business start-ups, expansions, etc., about six months ago. Never really knew this world existed before, although my husband and I were self-employed with a plumbing shop for over 25 years and also built some homes and fixed some up via “hard money” lenders.

    I’m certain there are many Christian VC’s out there, they are just hard to delineate from the rest. I have been trying to compile a list, but it is still rather short. I truly believe the “End-Time” Harvest will be financed by wealthy Christians whose hearts belong to Jesus rather than mammon. Many “Josephs” are being called out to fulfill their destinies for His plan and purpose. God is now transferring large funds out of evil hands into the vessels of honor who are joyous conduits for the Kingdom.

  3. Gospel Centered Entrepreneurship…

    I just read an awesome post from Drew Goodmanson, Executive Pastor of Kaleo Community Church in San Diego and thought it would be good to pass onto the leaders here at Park.
    17Oct06
    As Christians, we need to be concerned with the needs of the people in…

  4. My associate, Ben Ransom, an inventor-entrepreneur who is also a consultant specializing in environmental health and safety, has created a plan to make an affordable bicycle trailer. Not only does this quickly improve the quality of life by making hauling up to 300 pounds easy, it can be adapted to a single person ambulance and to a taxi. Whereas bicycle taxis can be purchased from quite a few vendors in the US- all for around $2,000 each, we can make ours for CONSIDERABLY less money. We are ready to build bicycle trailer manufacturing plants that can offer employment and profit to many. These would be sold as licenses to NGOs and other ministry organizations in the developing nations and we would provide on-going support. We can also provide a business in a box version where all the parts and tools needed to build 20 trailers comes in a crate. We hope to partner with an investor-angel who can help the ministry organizations to purchase the licenses or the crates. They would be facilitating immediate economic empowerment where ever they chose to invest.

  5. Jerry Crawford says:

    This was a very interesting read. And one that I have been trying to find more information out as well. The searches mentioned were as fruitless as mine (but then the same key words were used :) )

    And Mrs Phelps, it would be a great piece of information to find what you are putting together. The Lord has laid it upon my heart for a while to seriously look into a Christian based ISP in our region. And the secular world Angels and such either want tons of control or are looking for an exit strategy of making company profitable and selling it off within 5 years. And I am looking to be in this for as long as the Lord calls me to it. And I would think that most investors with a true focus on God would think the same.

    So if you get that finished up I know I would be interested :)

    And if there are any investors reading now I would be more than happy to discuss things, I am even looking for assistance on finer financial points.

  6. waltere Koti says:

    do not that it is an accident that we found you, but believe that it is God Ordained.
    We need your help and support for Kingdom work.
    We have a vission to build and operate Bible Seminaries in all six continents of the globe, in obedience to the great commission of “Go therefore and make deciples of all nations” The first site will constructed in Cameroon, West Africa. We need your support. Our web address is http://www.gracebiblefoundation.org I need your contact information. We need organization and fund raising support.
    May the Lord richly bless you.

    Walter Koti
    Grace Bible Theological Seminary Foundation

  7. waltere koti says:

    We have established this foundation in obedience to the command that our Lord gave to us. He simply said, “go therefore and Make Desciples All nations.” Matt 28:19. The Apostle Paul, upon his departure from the earth, exhorted young Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:2 to “commit the things that he had learned from him to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also,”

    There is no price that can be placed on a fully trained follower of Christ. One commited follower of Christ can have huge impact on the world.

    I believe that we are close to the end of time as we know it. The fear of God is not taught in churches and seminaries. Hatred for sin is scarcely mentioned. In many countries, those that desire to learn, do not not have access to quality seminary education that prepares them for pastorial and teaching ministries. I was by a Chinees friend that some can a pastor after three months as a christian. This is equally true many countries.

    Our goal is to raise $100,000,000 to plant seminaries in all continents of the globe.
    If you have like passion then contact us and together we can build the kingdom. If you can contribute in kind or in cash, please let us know.

    Waltere Koti
    President
    Grace Bible Theological Seminary Foundation
    3015890666

  8. Georgeann DeLuca says:

    I am an entrepreneur working on a huge Bible-based project that is evangelical in nature. It will require large capital for initial start-up….however, returns will be quick and large. I am looking for Christian capital venturists who would like to learn more about an investment that will advance God’s Kingdom in a great and mighty way!

    I would like to discuss this personally with those that feel led as opposed to releaseing this business idea publically. Please feel free to respond at your earliest convenience. Thank you and God bless you, all!

    In Him,
    Georgeann DeLuca

  9. Aamir John says:

    Dear sir
    Greeting In Wonderful Jesus Name

    This is Aamir John from Karachi Pakistan. I am working with a Light of life
    LoL is evangelistic organization preach the word of Lord around the Country
    Through Leadership conference and open publics meeting likes Crusade
    And I thanks God he pick me from the sin and saved me and give me vision
    Preach the gospel and reach to unreach peoples,
    I am basically businessman and involved in textile Garments and leather garments
    Now I am looking investor who invest in Pakistan
    Few fields are very attractive like pharmaceutical, high payable business in Pakistan
    Than leather garments, and bed sheets and many others

    Hope to hear from you
    God bless you
    In His Services
    Aamir John
    Light of Life
    Karachi
    Pakistan

  10. Greetings in Christ,

    I have been in the animation for 17 years and it has been my dream to have an animation studio that produces Christian animated Films in the Philippines. The registered business name is Light D’ Box Animation Studio. I’ve been trying to connect to christian Angel Investors.

    The start up fund needed is US$ 500,000.oo

    Thank you and may the Lord Bless you more.

    In Christ,
    Jose

  11. Ken Young says:

    Christian Based Energy services company working to build and support Gods kingdom and meet the needs of the gods people where ever he may direct us. Obviously we never should have said that because weve had all kinds of problems since announcing that were not wealth motivated, but exsist to fund the kingdom. Most employees are involved in self supporting short term mission activities world wide. As we are operating outside of the box we are in desperate need of help from a venture capital company to get us rooted solidly and help to keep us going as we wonder daily if we should quit. If you know of christian venture capital companies please advise, more importantly please pray for our company and our vision

  12. Ken Young says:

    please view our website and pray for our company as we in turn will do for all of you

  13. Jay E. Ort says:

    I am a retired professional Geologist, and formerly a Technical Advisor on the Apollo Lunar Project at White Sands, New Mexico. For over 42 years I have been doing research on the production of biofuels from power plant waste flue gas carbon dioxide and livestock wastes for growing algae. I have been doing pilot plant research and am now ready to demonstrate the first prototype. Ultimately, I believe this technology can feed the entire world, make any nation desiring to do so, energy independent, including the the USA and open all the world to the Gospel by the casting down of strongholds (including Islam and the Prince of Persia as well as the King of Tyre) by the Love of Christ in preparation for his soon-coming return. I am looking for Christian Venture Capital in the $1,000,000 range.

    Please contact me if interested.

  14. Trevor R. Jefferson says:

    I am a Canadian born, American raised non-denominational pastor, author and church planter. My family and I relocated to the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga in 2005 and plan to spend the rest of our lives here carrying out the Lord’s work.

    I would like to hear from any and all Christian Venture Capitalists that would be interested in investing in a Christian school (grades 1-12 and bachelor’s degree course) and community center.

    I can acquire the land and have the necessary government contacts to get this accomplished but need funding for the building costs.

    This would be an amazing ministry to the people and children of Tonga!

  15. S.Samson Raj says:

    Greetings in Jesus’s name. Thank God, there is website like this.
    sure there are still Joseph’s and such people to further the growth of God’s kindgom work. There are wealthy christian ventures who would assist the upcoming or growing christian businesspersons so that the fund could be supportive to the church, ministry and leading ahead to expansion of God’s work.
    We have a company started in 2003 promoting respirators and other medical equipments for critical care and physiotherapy & surgery in India. with base in Mumbai(Bombay) we operate in state Maharashtra which is fast growing in healthcare even as India is growing in it’s economy.
    Our aim is to do business & fund the Kingdom’s expansion .
    We now want to expand the business , use the profits to 1) support missionaries in ministry/rural, trible areas, and 2) set-up emergency life saving centers with maternity centers.
    Please pray for us as we seek God’s miraculous hands in raising USD 75000. We pray that dedicated born again christian believers with a burden to further God’s Kingdom be associated with us.
    Pl pray.
    samson raj

  16. T M R says:

    Open less than a year, the Gottlieb Foundation of Texas (http://gottliebtx.org) is a non-profit christian venture capital fund that offers strategic planning support and invests in start-up and growth stage non-profit ministries.

  17. Lyman says:

    How can Christ come to world for humanity that is to change humanity 1. Spritually, mentally and save is Soul? while most christian there work is restricted to certain areas? Why Not Africa and the rest of the country the Europe call the Third world country?

  18. Andrew Stone says:

    My name is Andrew Stone. I work for a new Christian based clothing brand. Aimed to represent Christ by producing the best quality and fashion using all we have for the kingdom. We are filter7, providing alternative clothing for an ever adapting culture.

    Andrew Stone
    http://www.filter7.com

  19. Mu Yang says:

    I have served in a home church for ten years in Beijing during 1997-2006. I also worked in business field during that period. I came to USA in 2007 for my MBA degree and graduated in June 2008. Although I got a job offer from a Fortune 500 company one year before I graduated, I have felt more and more strongly that I want to go back to China and establish a kindergarten.
    China government has a policy that one family can only have one child. Unfortunately, while many people become more and more wealthy, their children become less righteous and integrity. This is not uncommon. I want to run a kindergarten to impart God’s love, righteousness, kindness, and wisdom to the children in the very early time of their lives. Now I live with my wife and daughter in St. Paul MN. I want to go back to China to do this. I do need support. Please let me know if you, or someone really with this heart and vision, are interested in it. We can talk more about the plan. Thanks and God bless you!

  20. Tomas Flores says:

    I am an independent inventor who has a consumer electronic product that is a cutting edge solution to a number of personal safety issues and public security concerns. It will be built to be used by the general public but its goal is to be “Built By The Challenged For The Challenged.”

    It was nominated as a semi-finalist for the 2007 Homeland Security Awards and has garnered interest by the Federal Lab Consortium once patent is issued.

    Technologies covered include GPS, RF, Cellular, UWB,
    Personal Area Network, Smart Textiles, Haptics and so much more. It is in its initial concept stage but research is available to show this is a viable product.

    I already have an associate with a PhD in Electrical Engineering who is interested in becoming an officer of a start up and am looking to find venture capital from a group of Christians.

    If God has peaked your interest in this….please e-mail me at florestomas@yahoo.com.

    God Bless

  21. Jim Clark says:

    A Christian Camp in So. California has been turned over by it’s Board to a private owner who has been employed at the camp for several years. The owner has excellent plans to increase the annual sales and decrease the costs. In order to complete the conversion the new owner requires $5,500,000 in funds to cover a portion of the property debt and operating capital. Lenders have the choice of taking part in the equity or getting paid back at 10% simple interest after five years. The new owner is considering a program to rapidly pay down the outstanding mortgage resulting in a rapid increase in equity. If you would like to reveiw the Business Plan please email me at graceproperties951@hotmail.com

  22. K H says:

    We are a faithbased tv and film production company who is developing a 120 minute theatrical release based on a novel about 3 Christian woman. We would certainly be good stewards of 2.5 mil that you invest in as a secure transacation with a 100% return on it. At the very least we covet your prayers. Thanks and God bless.

    Miss Jackson

  23. Zane Stoddard says:

    My business partner and I are developing a new-model music company. We are both Christians who have felt called to the mainstream music market to try to be a light in a dark industry and market.

    My partner has written and produced hit records for a number of artists (Christina Aguilera, Monica, etc.) and I have 16 years of global brand marketing experience with multiple universally recognizable brands (a label under Interscope/Geffen, NBA, NIKE subsidiary, and NBA team). We have 3 major label quality artists, one having been in major label system. We have distribution available to us through the largest distributor in the world, and vast decision-maker industry relationships.

    We have a broad exploitation business model. We’re looking for start-up capital.

    If you’re interested, or know of someone who may be, please contact.

    Thank you.

    God Bless,
    Zane Stoddard

  24. My name is Victor Salvador Vitug Jr. and I have been a professional freelance photographer for almost 25 years. During those 25 years I have also been involved in almost every aspect of film and video production from producing, directing, shooting, writing and editing. I was recently asked by a close friend of mine to shoot a video in regards to the building of a Christian based School here in Las Vegas, Capstone Christian Schools. I was sent to Valley Christian Schools in San Jose California to video tape various facilities of the school ie. the gym, swimming pool, band, etc in order to illustrate what the new school could be like. To my amazement the project took a life of its own and also changed mine. I have always looked for ways to use my God given talent to reach out and minister to people who need to hear the word. I have sang in the choir and even acted in various church presentations. Please look at my Capstone Christian School video. I would
    like to know if there is a way to take my gift and make it into a ministry.

    Victor Salvador Vitug Jr.

    http://web.mac.com/victorsalvador/iWeb/Capstone/Capstone.html

  25. Guy Stanley says:

    I am in the early start-up phase of a greenhouse-based organic hydroponic farm. It is an opportunity to combine a career and ministry in a unique way. Christ feed both the spirit and the body! I am looking for capital, preferably from Christian Venture Capital, to luanch this project. Investment, business and ministry to be managed by Kingdom Principles.

    Thank you and GOD bless, Guy Stanley

  26. Jana Walker says:

    My ministry is bringing the Lord to children through an integration of faith and modedrn culture. I believe that there are not enough resources available for parents who are trying to raise children with a strong foundation in Christ and am currently researching to develop Christian music video games. I am just in early stages but as a graduate student and mother, I am going to need financial backing to get this project off the ground. I would appreciate suggestions, encouragement, prayer. Thanks and God Bless!

  27. R G says:

    As an evangel-preneur, Theology Grad as well as former Investment Banker and Consultant, I can’t agree more!

    The harvest is plentiful, the workers are few…

  28. B Kelly says:

    I found this site when searching for Christian Angel investors. I do not know if this is the right place to be or not. My husband and I are Christians and we are dedicated to helping our church win more souls. Of course, that requires funds and we have been blessed to be able to help a good bit in that regard. I now have a business idea that I believe will be huge and we will be able to funnel much money to help grow the kingdom once it has become successful. This is not a non profit business, but will benefit the Lord’s work just the same. I don’t know if anyone reading this is interested in discussing investing options, but if so, please contact me.

  29. Edison says:

    PRAISE THE LORD. I am a Born again Christaian running Knitted Garment Export company in India. By the blessing of God we are doing good in business. It is my vision that I would be more blessed if we work for Born Again/Believer Christain who are having Garment Brands. If God leads you, please feel free to contact at pearlintimatess@gmail.com. May God Bless you all. Please remember me in your prayers.

  30. Nathan.G.A says:

    genesismatrimony.com is basically an online Christian matrimonial site for born again Christian singles and also for other denominational Christian singles who are desperately seeking their life partners. This site is just in the offing with more members to join and other exclusive features to be added.

    My associate Mr. Subhash and I, Mr.Nathan.G.A ventured into this business to reap a financial breakthrough in our lives, as well as, use this site as a launching pad to financially source many social and “good ground” gospel ministries which are effectively promoting the Kingdom of God and winning souls for our Lord Jesus Christ. Our vision and mission is very clear. We have chalked out our marketing strategies and campaigns but things are moving in slow pace due to shortage of funds.

    Nevertheless, we are confident that in the near future there will be a massive growth of this site in terms of numbers and revenue because we believe that God is our helper and our source, as the law of sowing and reaping which God had set into motion is still at work. Since, God uses people to bless other people, we are bringing this business before you so that anyone reading this might volunteer to partner (as God leads) with us, as a venture capitalist by sowing USD50, 000 into our business and later reaping a share in the profits at the time of harvest.

    Therefore, if any “Christian venture capitalist” who is interested to invest USD 50,000 (according to the leading of God) into our business can kindly contact us through the “contact us” link in the website on further clarifications

  31. Greetings Christians,

    Please help to kickstart the first Christian Animation Studio in the Philippines “lightdbox animation studio”.
    The fund needed is huge but if we chipin our $1, $5, $50, $100….we can make it happen. Please participate for this wonderful vision of producing animation with Christian values.

    Sincerely,
    Jose
    Manila Philippines

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