London, UK – On 12 May 2025, leaders from the UNICEF Venture Fund and the GSR Foundation gathered in London for an inspiring fireside chat. The event offered a platform to reflect on their innovative funding partnership and its role in accelerating frontier technologies for global social impact.
Jakob Palmstierna, President GSR and Ambassador of the GSR Foundation said: “Launching a Foundation was a logical move for the Firm, and partnerships with global leaders like UNICEF ensure we are contributing to the growing 'crypto for good' space. We are committed to using our expertise, networks, and resources to support innovative, impact-driven solutions that leverage blockchain and frontier technologies to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The discussion explored how catalytic capital is helping to bring early-stage solutions, using technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, to scale. These technologies are being developed to reach underserved communities and create lasting, positive change. Attendees had the opportunity to hear how the collaboration is empowering entrepreneurs to build impactful and sustainable innovations that support children and vulnerable populations worldwide.
“We believe that bold, early investments can drive real, transformative change,” said Nadia Gil, Chair of the GSR Foundation. “By partnering with the UNICEF Venture Fund, we’re supporting innovative technologies that take on big challenges with both ambition and responsibility.”
Thomas Davin, Global Director, UNICEF Office of Innovation said: "Strategic partnerships can achieve exponential results. We're truly energized by the shared vision of UNICEF Venture Fund and GSR Foundation of the potential that blockchain technology and digital assets could hold in supporting cutting edge innovations for children.”
"The Venture Fund supports ecosystems of innovators and entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build tech solutions with global potential – with GSR’s leadership we are aiming to grow the community of partners that collectively deliver on the promise and potential of tech to do great global good".
The UNICEF Venture Fund accepts fiat and cryptocurrency which it maintains in its native form. The Fund does this to leverage blockchain technology to deliver transparency, accountability and efficiency.
The event concluded with a reception, bringing together leaders from philanthropy, technology, crypto, and impact investing to share ideas and strengthen connections.
For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
James Newell | james.newell@gsr.io
Yemi Lufadeju | glufadeju@unicef.org
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