Identity

Criterion launches social ventures that create a better world, either for clients or by taking an equity position with internally developed ideas.  Founded in 2002 by Joy Anderson, Criterion boasts the experience, the team, the methodology and the network to achieve dramatic good for the world and the track record to prove it.  We achieve large scale results by focusing on deep and impactful partnerships with a few ventures at a time.

Criterion works with independent business people and philanthropists, drivers of large non-profit systems and established entrepreneurs in areas like health care, social investment, education, poverty and religion.  Over the years, we have invested in a network of 9,000 relationships built not around a set of services, but rather through conversations about possibilities, trust, and shared vision. As a result, we have both a reservoir of social capital among the leaders in the social change world and well-honed practices for connecting with them. 

Criterion's work is driven by three core values: grace, hospitality and the power of invitation.  These touchstones shape our business decisions, our methodology for launching ventures, and our conduct as value-driven players in a value-driven marketplace.