Fearless secures $17M to launch new division, expand into organizational enablement

In 2009, Fearless was founded as a software firm primarily dedicated to assisting government agencies in adapting to the digital era’s demands. Along its journey, Fearless has evolved, introducing a business incubator and an impact fund.

Now, it has taken the next step, expanding into two distinct divisions: Fearless Digital and Fearless Guides.

Fearless Digital is driven by the goal to design, engineer and deliver digital solutions that address problems and generate meaningful impact, per a press release. Conversely, Fearless Guides focuses on fostering conditions for organizations and their members to flourish. This includes initiatives such as upskilling, workforce development and organizational enhancement. The two divisions work in tandem to optimize customer operations, ensuring that every facet of their organizations aligns with their core missions.

While Fearless has always harnessed technology for positive change, CEO and founder Delali Dzirasa envisions an even broader mission.

“Fearless is transitioning from a tech-focused entity to an impact-focused force,” he said. “Our trajectory centers on concrete differences we make, surpassing the mere technology we develop. Our ultimate aspiration is to significantly impact critical realms such as efficient governance, social justice, human welfare and enhanced living conditions.”

Fearless is launching Fearless Guides, the new division, with substantial support totaling $17 million — including $15 million from Truist Bank and $2 million from the Maryland Small Business Development Authority. To further build out and support the two divisions, the company will be appointing presidents to oversee each unit.

Remaining in his role as CEO, Dzirasa is joined by John Foster, the former COO who now assumes the position of chief impact officer.

“John was a natural fit for this role, given its alignment with his passions and true interests,” Dzirasa said in an interview. “His decision to step away from the COO position stems from his desire to wholeheartedly focus on something he loves.”

Foster’s new role puts him at the forefront of aligning Fearless’ diverse entities, industries and communities both within the organization and externally. He highlighted this mission in the context of social justice concerns that have previously guided Fearless.

“We’re facing some enormous, urgent problems in our society – loss of life, inefficient government, social injustice, lack of quality living,” Foster said in a written statement. “As business leaders, we have a responsibility to use all the tools at our disposal to solve these big problems; we can’t continue to rely on the nonprofit sector to do this. To harness the power of business for good, we have to align impact and profit.”

Going forward, the company aims to raise another $10 million by the end of the year. By 2030, Fearless leaders hope to generate $1 billion in revenue.