Giving Back Is Good For Business: Bidmii Joins Upside Foundation, Pledges 1% of Equity to Charity

“Bidmii has always been committed to making a difference. We created the company because of an unbalanced power dynamic within the renovation sector, and we’re building a global community of homeowners and contractors who are empowered and motivated to do great work together through trust, transparency, and payment protection,” said Jon Christensen, CEO of Bidmii. “We believe that this partnership is a great fit for both organizations and we’re excited to work together to make a difference in our community.”

The Upside Foundation is a Canadian charity that connects startups and charities so they can create social good together. The foundation helps early-stage, high-growth Canadian firms to incorporate social responsibility into their business by donating equity to the charity of their choosing and becoming a member of a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

We are thrilled to welcome Bidmii to the Upside Foundation,” said Maria O’Reilly, Executive Director of the Upside Foundation. “By pledging early in the start-up phase of their company, Bidmii has reinforced that social impact and charitable giving will play a vital role in their culture as they continue to build. We look forward to supporting Jon, Phillip, and the team as they execute their vision and grow a socially responsible business.

Bidmii’s contributions will help support local charities, as well as the Foundation’s mission to connect startups and charities. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests giving back is good for business. A study by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship found that companies that are committed to social responsibility outperform their peers financially. Additionally, employees who work for companies with a strong commitment to social responsibility are more engaged and productive.

“Earlier this year, we created a bursary for underrepresented groups in trade schools and now, we are taking our commitment one step further by joining the Upside Foundation,” said Christensen. “Giving back is part of our company culture and we are proud to pledge 1% of our equity to charity.”

About Upside Foundation

‍The Upside Foundation enables founders of early-stage, high-growth Canadian companies to build social responsibility into their business by pledging equity to the charity of their choice and join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

The Foundation was co-founded by Robert Antoniades, General Partner of Information Venture Partners; Mark Skapinker, Managing Partner at Brightspark Ventures; and consultant Janie Goldstein. The founders were searching for a way to encourage their portfolio companies to give back, noting that this generation of entrepreneurs strives to make an impact. Over 360 Canadian founders have pledged their Upside and so far, the Foundation has donated $3M to over 27 charities via 17 liquidity events.