Minderoo announces backing of next generation of supply chain accountability technologies
Minderoo Foundation is supporting a pioneering venture fund investing in technologies that improve transparency and worker outcomes across global supply chains.
Working Capital Fund (WCF) has announced the first close of its third fund, securing approximately US$31 million in commitments from a coalition of leading philanthropic and corporate investors.
Minderoo joins The Omidyar Group, Soros Economic Development Fund, SAP and Stardust Equity as investors in Fund III, united by a shared belief that technology can be harnessed to create fairer and more responsible supply chains.
The fund builds on a decade of investing in solutions that address labour exploitation, supply chain opacity and worker vulnerability. Fund III will focus on innovations that demonstrate how artificial intelligence can support workers, how climate adaptation can be scaled to protect vulnerable communities, and how businesses can strengthen supply chain resilience without compromising labour standards.
“Minderoo Foundation is supporting Fund III because we believe technology should strengthen human dignity, not undermine it,” Minderoo Foundation CEO, John Hartman, said.
“By backing entrepreneurs developing solutions that lift transparency and empower workers, Working Capital Fund is creating a future where economic growth and human rights go hand-in-hand.
“The Fund’s ability to connect promising founders with major global buyers gives these innovations a pathway to scale and amplifies their impact for millions of workers across complex supply chains.”
Since its inception, WCF has invested in 24 companies operating across more than 60 countries, supporting technologies that improve conditions for workers while generating strong commercial returns.
Its portfolio includes worker voice platform Ulula, supply chain intelligence company Altana, and critical minerals technology firm SiTration, each helping businesses better identify and address risks across complex global supply networks.
“We are grateful to the investors who have supported us over the past decade and to our newest partners joining us in Fund III,” Ed Marcum, Managing Partner at Working Capital Fund, said.
“Their commitment reflects a growing recognition that some of the most significant challenges facing global supply chains also represent compelling investment opportunities. Fund III positions us to accelerate our impact, continue to define the responsible supply chain market, and improve the lives of millions of workers worldwide.”