What is Via?
VIA, formerly Volunteers in Asia, is a private, non-profit organization established in 1963 at Stanford University. Its core mission is to foster cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Asia via service and educational initiatives. The organization has facilitated exchanges for over 1,600 volunteers and program participants from the US to 15 Asian countries, alongside bringing more than 4,000 Asian students to the United States for experiential learning. VIA operates long-term and summer programs in countries including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside offering short-term international study programs focused on themes like language, global leadership, social innovation, and healthcare. With offices in San Francisco and Stanford, California, and staff in Asia, VIA maintains an annual operating budget of approximately $3 million, supported by program fees, foundations, individuals, and endowment income.
How much funding has Via raised?
Via has raised a total of $150K across 1 funding round:
Debt
$150K
Debt (2020): $150K with participation from PPP
Key Investors in Via
PPP
Public-Private Partnership
What's next for Via?
The recent large-scale, late-stage funding event signifies Via's established operational capacity and its strategic importance in fostering international educational and service exchanges. This significant backing is expected to bolster Via's existing programs and potentially enable expansion into new regions or the development of innovative cross-cultural engagement models. The strategic investment suggests confidence from backers in Via's long-term viability and its impact on global understanding, positioning the organization for sustained growth and enhanced program delivery in its critical mission.
See full Via company page