SubscribeHere is a look behind the scenes on the venerable technology of books. What is going in a digital age to include people with disability -- by design? How are we moving the publications industry from a charity to a PwD-as-consumer approach?
What is the Benetech business model behind Bookshare.org?
Benetech® is a unique bridge that connects the social sector with business and technology leaders. We join together the heart of social mission with the mind of high-tech process and project management. Leveraging the vast technical skill in Silicon Valley, we have project managers and engineers proficient in almost every area of software development. Together, we're using technology to serve humanity.
Good for Society and for Investors
Benetech operates much like a startup company in a venture capital environment. We identify needs and opportunities where technology could have a tremendous impact, improving the lives of thousands, potentially millions of people. Once we determine the viability of an idea, we apply research, analysis and business planning to develop and implement it. The crucial difference is that our primary goal is helping all of humanity, rather than making the maximum financial return. As a social venture capital partner, we make decisions on behalf of society, as well as for our limited partners providing the capital in the form of grants, donations and access to intellectual property. Investments are evaluated in terms of need, feasibility and long-term business sustainability. One thing we do not do: waste money and time. 85% of every dollar goes directly to support our initiatives. Source: http://www.benetech.org/about/business_model.shtml