An unprecedented and unconventional philanthropic venture, dedicated to serving those who risk their life in public service
R^2 is an ecosystem of for-profit and non-profit entities united in enabling those who serve their country and community in extreme environments by advancing the science of human performance.
Currently, R^2 consists of two entities:
riskandreturn.com
a for-profit early-stage Venture Fund
Accelerating new technologies that de-risk high-risk public service.
riskandreturn.org
a non-profit Foundation
Enabling the endeavors of other philanthropic organizations that serve this community.
We create value.
We are an experienced team that understands this community, and whom the community trusts. We honor that trust and leverage that understanding to accelerate new technologies and solutions toward greater social impact, and to help others assess and navigate the growing but often chaotic sea of goodwill.
We share a few core beliefs.
There are three essential principles to R2:
Solution by Community
Solution by Community
Effective solution generation will be accelerated by building and cultivating a renewed sense of community among those who know what it takes to serve in extreme environments.
The Power of Purpose
The Power of Purpose
Re-uniting this community with a clear sense of purpose and meaning will catalyze the development of more effective solutions.
Asset Framing
Asset Framing
While this community is deserving of assistance, it is not viewed as a group of victims. Rather, it is a national resource of human performance knowledge that is deserving of investment.
Our team is passionate about what we do.
Robert Nelsen
Robert Nelsen is a co-founder and a Managing Director of ARCH Venture Partners. He joined ARCH at its founding and played a significant role in the early sourcing, financing and development of more than 100 companies, including twenty-three which have reached valuations exceeding $1 billion.
Bob Kerrey
Bob Kerrey is Managing Director at Allen & Company. From 2001 to 2011 Mr. Kerrey was President of The New School, a university founded on democratic ideals and daring educational practices. From 1989 to 2001 Mr. Kerrey represented Nebraska in the Senate. Mr. Kerrey served as a U.S. Navy SEAL during the Vietnam War. For his service, he received the Medal of Honor.
Jeff Eggers
Jeff Eggers is Managing Director of Risk and Return. He is co-author of the U.S. best-selling book “Leaders: Myth and Reality” and was previously the Executive Director of the McChrystal Group Leadership Institute. Following his military service as a Navy SEAL officer, he served at the White House as Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.