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Scoop: Crisis Text Line creates Loris, a for-profit spinoff

Ina Fried, author of Login

The startup gets its name from the Loris, a sloth-like animal. (Photo: Jefta Images / Barcroft Images / Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

Crisis Text Line is using some of the insights it has gotten from millions of text messages to create Loris.ai, a for-profit venture.

The bottom line: Armed with $2 million in seed funding, Loris.ai is looking to help businesses better tackle tough conversations with employees. It also could serve as a model for other non-profits looking to use data to fund their mission.

Loris' funding was led by Floodgate, with investments from Jeff Weiner and Kapor Capital.

Unique model: Lublin says that while rare, commercial spinouts from non-profits aren't unheard of and actually represent a pretty good path to sustainability for philanthropic ventures.

This is how not-for-profits should think about sustainability. Monetize what you do well. Don't start a t-shirt line.
— Nancy Lublin CEO, Loris.ai and Crisis Text Line

Lublin said CTL is getting all of her founders' stock in Loris.ai and will be its largest shareholder. She will be CEO of both entities, though Loris.ai will have a separate board.

On the name: Lublin says the name is fitting because a Loris looks like an adorable sloth but will totally bite and kill you if it has to. And so will the cultural issues Loris.ai helps address.

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

McConnell drops filibuster demand, paving way for power-sharing deal

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (R) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attend a joint session of Congress. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has abandoned his demand that Democrats state, in writing, that they would not abandon the legislative filibuster.

Between the lines: McConnell was never going to agree to a 50-50 power sharing deal without putting up a fight over keeping the 60-vote threshold. But the minority leader ultimately caved after it became clear that delaying the organizing resolution was no longer feasible.

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Ashley Gold
7 hours ago - Technology

Scoop: Google won't donate to members of Congress who voted against election results

Sen. Ted Cruz led the group of Republicans who opposed certifying the results. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Google will not make contributions from its political action committee this cycle to any member of Congress who voted against certifying the results of the presidential election, following the deadly Capitol riot.

Why it matters: Several major businesses paused or pulled political donations following the events of Jan. 6, when pro-Trump rioters, riled up by former President Trump, stormed the Capitol on the day it was to certify the election results.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
8 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Minority Mitch still setting Senate agenda

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Chuck Schumer may be majority leader, yet in many ways, Mitch McConnell is still running the Senate show — and his counterpart is about done with it.

Why it matters: McConnell rolled over Democrats unapologetically, and kept tight control over his fellow Republicans, while in the majority. But he's showing equal skill as minority leader, using political jiujitsu to convert a perceived weakness into strength.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow