MAY 7, 2025 – SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Pledge 1% today announced that co-founder Scott Farquhar will step into the role of Board Chair, marking an exciting new chapter for the global movement that inspires, educates, and empowers every company to leverage their unique assets for good. The announcement was made in Sydney at an event attended by more than 100 people from across the startup and technology ecosystem who support Pledge 1%’s mission to help companies deliver social impact as part of their business model.
Since Pledge 1% started in 2015, over 19,000 companies in more than 130 countries have joined the Pledge 1% movement by committing to set aside 1% of equity, profit, product, and/or employee time to drive social impact.
"Pledge 1% is designed to accelerate impact," said Scott Farquhar, co-founder of Atlassian and incoming Board Chair of Pledge 1%. "We envision a future where profit is intertwined with purpose, and where social impact isn’t the exception, but the norm. That’s the new blueprint for business success."
"And we’re not doing it alone," Farquhar added. "Over the last decade, we’ve built a powerful network of CEOs, social impact leaders, investors, banks, stock exchanges, and other business stakeholders who believe in the power of business for good. Together, we’re inspiring and supporting the next generation of companies to embed giving back into their DNA from day one."
“I’m honoured to take on this role and help grow the movement both in Australia and around the world," Mr. Farquhar said.
Cliff Obrecht, co-founder and COO, Canva said of the company's involvement, "Pledge 1% is a force multiplier. What started as a simple idea has become a global framework for impact. We’ve proven that you don’t have to wait to be successful to start giving - you can build it into your organisation from day one."
Amy Lesnick, CEO of Pledge 1%, credited Farquhar’s vision with helping to shape the organisation’s global impact and is excited to celebrate this milestone by welcoming more companies and founders to the movement. "Ten years ago, Scott helped spark a movement that transformed how businesses do good," said Lesnick. "With Scott stepping in as Board Chair, we are doubling down on our mission to equip and empower companies across ecosystems, industries, and borders to unlock even greater impact in the decade ahead."
Key Achievements of the Pledge 1% Movement:
- 19,000+ companies participating globally
- 1,800+ Australian companies including Atlassian, Canva, and Culture Amp
- US$3 Billion in equity pledged to social causes
- 60+ unicorn companies have set aside equity for impact
Farquhar’s appointment comes as Pledge 1% launches a year-long celebration of its 10th Anniversary. This week, the team is hosting a series of events and gatherings across Australia, bringing together founders, investors, accelerators, banks, and ecosystem leaders to champion the future of business-led impact.
As companies worldwide face increasing uncertainty from climate change to economic pressures, Pledge 1% provides a trusted, actionable framework for leading with purpose. Its flexible model enables businesses to engage their employees, customers, and wider community in giving back at every stage of their growth journey.
"We’ve shown what’s possible when companies align business growth with generosity," said Lesnick. "The next decade is about accelerating that momentum, because the world needs business at the table, now more than ever."
Join the Movement. Take the pledge. Make an impact. Visit pledge1percent.org
Media Contact:
Kate Lord - Kate@akinagency.com.au
0432 448 248
About Pledge 1%
Pledge 1% is leading a global movement to embed social impact into all businesses. Providing a simple, flexible framework for setting aside staff time, product, profit, and/or equity, Pledge 1% encourages and empowers businesses of all sizes to play a vital role in building stronger communities and driving lasting change. Pledge 1% has inspired over 19,000 companies across more than 130 countries to join the movement. Learn more and take the pledge at pledge1percent.org.
