Facebook Founder to Start Philanthropic Social Network
23 March 2010 at 3:31 pm
Co-Founder of the social networking site Facebook, Chris Hughes has developed a new social network focusing on Philanthropy.
Hughes recently ‘soft launched’ Jumo – a website described as philanthropy, volunteerism and social networking all rolled into one.
Due for launch in September/October this year, Hughes says the online platform will connect individuals and organisations working to change the world.
The 26 year old – who co-founded Facebook before taking an important role in the Obama presidential campaign – says he knew he wanted to do something at the centre of global development and technology after spending time in Africa last year.
Hughes hopes Jumo will provide users with information and opportunities for meaningful action, taloired specifically to who they are.
Jumo needs around US $2 million to meet startup costs– Hughes has already raised $500,000 of this from foundations and individuals.
Hughes co-founded Facebook with his Harvard roommate Mark Zuckerberg, and worked as a spokesman for the online media directory until 2008. He left Facebook to run the online organising for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, in particular the social network site my.barackobama.com.
According to Fast Company magazine, Hughes was a crucial part of Obama’s ability to organize his hugely successful network of volunteers and grassroots army.
While still in its infancy, Hughes’ latest venture has received a great deal of interest – with over 6,500 fans on Jumo’s Facebook page.
Jumo is taken from the West African language of Yoruba, meaning “together in concert”.
Click here to visit the website – www.jumo.com
