Values

Criterion's work has, from the beginning, 

been driven by three core values: 

grace, hospitality and the power of invitation.

 These touchstones shape 

our methodology and approach. 

Grace:

Grace allows us to meet people where they are and to view everyone as someone with value. Our screen is wide and inclusive. Grace means we welcome everyone, including people who walk through doors in many ways, from different places, and view the world through varying filters.

Hospitality:

We welcome the stranger, knowing that the stranger will change us. 

Hospitality in this ancient definition protects a place for everyone to engage. We think about hospitable places, and ways that we can welcome a diversity of voices and outlooks into our work.  While the hospitality industry might make you think this value is about making us look good when you visit, we value deeply the opportunity to be changed by you, to have our outlook changed through conversation, openness, and honesty. Hospitality lets people know they have been invited, and that they are valued.

Invitation:

We invite people into relationships, for that is the only way we know how to conduct our business. We believe that the act of invitation begins relationship. Invitation powers Criterion Ventures.

While we often plan and execute events, they are only one way to interact.  Through inviting we engage, whether you can attend the event or not.

Criterion welcomes you into real conversation.
And we ask you, in turn, to invite the stranger in to change you.
Trust grace to surprise you.