Fast Forward and Bloomberg: Nine Years of Backing Tech for Good

Fast Forward and Bloomberg are proud to celebrate nine years of partnership supporting tech nonprofits tackling some of the world’s toughest challenges. Since 2017, Bloomberg has helped power Fast Forward’s programs and championed tech nonprofit entrepreneurs. And it’s a team effort — Bloomberg employees have stepped in to mentor Accelerator participants, lead Pitch Camps, and share guidance with founders on everything from product strategy to storytelling.

With Bloomberg’s support, Fast Forward has helped over 110 tech nonprofit builders scale solutions in education, climate, workforce development, and more. That support spans every stage of our programming and continues long after founders leave the Demo Day stage.

At this year’s Demo Day, co-hosted by Bloomberg, more than 250 attendees gathered to hear pitches from the 10 nonprofits in Fast Forward’s newest Accelerator cohort. A highlight of the event was a fireside chat featuring Bloomberg Technology anchor Ed Ludlow in conversation with Fast Forward alum Michelle Brown, founder of CommonLit. Michelle shared how a bookless classroom in rural Mississippi inspired her to build a platform that now supports 36M students across 80% of U.S. public schools. You can read more from Ed on Bloomberg’s blog.

In addition to moderating the fireside chat, Ed has supported Fast Forward Accelerator organizations through Quick Consults, which offer founders targeted one-on-one advice, and Pitch Panels, where industry experts provide real-time feedback on pitches. Like many other Bloomberg employees, he lent his expertise to help founders refine their narratives and strengthen their pitches. He drew on his journalism experience to provide essential feedback.

“I'm so proud of our longstanding partnership with Fast Forward as it gives Bloomberg employees the opportunity to use their skills for social impact,” said Malia Simonds, who leads Bloomberg’s Corporate Philanthropy efforts across the U.S. West Coast and Latin America. “Through ongoing mentorship, strategic guidance, and collaborations like our work with Develop for Good and Demo Day, we’re helping tech nonprofit founders scale their solutions and create lasting social change.”

The Accelerator and Demo Day are just the beginning. Bloomberg’s long-term commitment also extends to Fast Forward Accelerator alumni like Develop for Good, who pairs underrepresented computer science students with nonprofits to build digital tools. With Bloomberg’s support, the organization has saved 100+ nonprofits an estimated $6M in development costs and engaged 2.1K+ student volunteers. Continued support after the Accelerator program is essential. It helps founders access the resources, connections, and capital they need to continue scaling their solutions and deepen their impact. Fast Forward is excited that Bloomberg will continue offering their staff as mentors for nonprofit tech projects through their partnership with Develop for Good.

“We’re deeply grateful for Bloomberg’s steadfast partnership over the past nine years,” said Shannon Farley, co-founder of Fast Forward. “From employee mentorship to co-hosting Demo Day, their support has been instrumental in helping tech nonprofits grow their impact. We’re proud of all we’ve built together and excited for what’s ahead.”

As we approach the tenth year of our partnership, Fast Forward and Bloomberg remain committed to supporting tech nonprofit founders and deepening opportunities for Bloomberg employees to mentor these builders.

Couldn’t make it to Demo Day? Watch the 2025 Virtual Demo Day recording, and read more from Ed Ludlow.