Founders Pledge

Founders Pledge was founded in 2015 by David Goldberg, launching from Founders Forum, Europe's foremost network of digital and technology entrepreneurs. The core model is a legal pledge mechanism that makes it easy for entrepreneurs to commit a percentage of personal proceeds from a business sale to charity — the minimum commitment is 2%, though members commit around 7% on average. Joining is free and the organization charges no membership fees or cut of pledges. Members receive philanthropic advisory services, access to a donor-advised fund, and cause-area research to help guide their giving.

The organization has registered nonprofits in the US (501(c)(3)), UK (registered charity 1162201), and Germany, and operates globally with offices in London, New York, Berlin, and San Francisco. As of early 2025, over 2,200 entrepreneurs from 45+ countries have joined, collectively pledging over $12.9 billion, of which more than $1.7 billion has already been donated to the charitable sector.

Founders Pledge manages several philanthropic funds: the Global Catastrophic Risks Fund, which addresses existential threats including advanced AI, engineered pandemics, and great-power conflict; the Climate Fund for neglected climate solutions; the Global Health and Development Catalytic Impact Fund; and the Patient Philanthropy Fund, a long-term investment vehicle intended as humanity's emergency fund. It also operates an in-house donor-advised fund platform for members.

The organization is led by Founder and President David Goldberg alongside CEO Charlotte Monico and a senior leadership team including a CFO, Chief Product Officer, Chief Experience Officer, and Managing Directors for Research and Advising. Funding comes from member contributions (covering 45.5% of 2025 operating expenses), foundations including Open Philanthropy, and corporate partners including Pictet. For every $1 invested in its mission in 2025, $31.1 was donated to the charitable sector and $16.9 was granted to its high-impact recommendations.