Omidyar Network is a mission-based investment group committed to fostering individual self-empowerment economically, socially and politically.

The Network funds for-profits, nonprofits and public policy efforts that promote:

• Equal access to information, tools and opportunities
• Rich connections around shared interests
• A sense of ownership for participants

Because we believe issues are best addressed by the people who face them, we fund citizen-driven models that enable individuals to pursue what matters most to them. Therefore, our approach is to focus on the how, rather than the what.

Early on, Pierre did what most people do in his situation: he started a foundation. However, when he looked at the continued success of eBay, he realized that making positive social impact was not limited to nonprofits. On eBay, everyone has access to the same tools, information and opportunities, and trust is fundamental to its success. Today, more than 150 million members are willing to trust a stranger with every transaction. Hundreds of thousands of people make their living entirely on eBay. For eBay, its profit depends on its ability to generate this positive social impact, and as a for-profit business, that social impact is scalable and self-sustaining.

We believe business can be a tool for good. In June 2004, we changed the structure of the organization so that we could have the flexibility to fund for-profits, nonprofits and public policy efforts. The Omidyar Foundation no longer exists by name, but the Foundation's assets will continue funding Omidyar Network's nonprofit strategic initiatives.