A Madison startup looking to bring transparency to corporate money in politics just got a boost from one of the most powerful figures in media.
Goods Unite Us, a startup that helps people know how much companies and brands contribute to politicians and their PACs, was featured in Oprah's O, The Oprah Magazine. The startup appears in the magazine's March print edition.
"Being in Oprah's magazine is a huge honor, especially because everything Oprah touches seems to turn to gold," Abigail Wuest, the startup's CEO, said in a statement.
Goods Unite Us' app shows the political affiliations of more than 4,000 companies, helping shoppers buy goods that align with their social and political beliefs. The startup, which was founded in 2017, says it has around 140,000 monthly users.
Last month, Goods Unite Us raised a $500,000 seed round from MaSa Partners, Rogue Venture Partners and Madison entrepreneur Mark Bakken.
The inclusion in Oprah's magazine provides a big signal boost for the young startup. The magazine boasts a readership of more than 10 million people.
We are incredibly honored to be included in @oprahmagazine’s “The High Five” this month—as one of five things to cheer about!!!
Pick up a copy, turn to page 24, and check us out!!! ? @Oprah pic.twitter.com/cWWv9GzK6u
— Goods Unite Us (@goodsuniteus) February 11, 2019
The startup's blurb in O Magazine reads: "Attention red-, blue-, and purple-leaning shoppers: The free app Goods Unite Us uses public financial disclosure from more than 4,000 brands to reveal (a) if a company kicks in any money to political campaigns and (b) which party it favors."
Goods Unites Us, founded by Wuest, Amy Miller and Brian Potts, says it plans to raise a Series A round of funding later this year.
