# Omidyar Network to open London office

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/09/16/omidyar-network-open-london-office/
- Published: 2011-09-16T14:37:06+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Innovative technology funder Omidyar Network is to open an office in London’s Shoreditch
to serve as its HQ for work in Europe, and as the global hub for its Government 
Transparency initiative.

Stephen King, investment partner at Omidyar Network, will lead the London office.
He announced the move at yesterday’s “The Power of Information: New Technologies
for Philanthropy and Development” conference in London.

Omidyar Network, which describes itself as a “philanthropic investment firm” was
created by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam in 2004. It makes investments
and grants to innovative companies and organisations in the areas of access to capital
and media, markets and transparency.

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It is an unusual funder. As it explains, “we work across the social and business
sectors, operating both a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and a 501(c)(3 ) foundation.
We invest in for-profit entities through our LLC. We make grants and program-related
investments through our 501(c)(3) entity.”

Over the last two years, the firm has invested over $40 million in its Government
Transparency initiative in supporting transparency efforts across the globe, including
organisations such as mySociety in the United Kingdom, Ushahidi in Kenya, Janaagraha
in India and the Sunlight Foundation in the United States.

From its London office, Omidyar Network will begin to expand the geographic focus
of its Government Transparency activities to include Poland, Turkey and Ukraine 
in Europe; Brazil and Mexico in Latin America; Egypt in the Middle East; and Indonesia
and the Philippines in Southeast Asia.

“The opening of our London office broadens our reach in helping create opportunity
for individuals through investments in market-based solutions,” said King.

“A greater concentration of efforts in this region of the world will enable us to
work more closely with portfolio partners, create new collaborations and explore
new investment opportunities. The vibrancy and promise of the Shoreditch area, we
feel, are particularly appropriate for Omidyar Network”.

www.omidyar.com

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