We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christopher Hoffman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christopher below.

Christopher , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

In the heart of small-town Ohio, amidst the humble beginnings of a small Appalachian village, my story took root. My childhood was a tapestry of challenges and resilience. From an early age, I was imbued with a spirit of service, finding my calling in seeking solutions—be it through the community-focused efforts of the Boy Scouts or addressing poverty with the Rotary Club. It was this foundation that ignited a spark within me, a desire to broaden my impact beyond the familiar borders of my hometown.

At the age of 13, armed with nothing but a “solution” mindset and an unwavering resolve, I embarked on a transformative journey to Zimbabwe. Living with missionaries in the Kalahari bush, I immersed myself in the lives of small communities, offering my ideas and efforts as seeds of change. This experience was a crucible, shaping my understanding of the complexities of humanitarian work and the profound difference a single individual could make.

The quest for knowledge and the desire to contribute more effectively led me to Brazil the following year. Nestled in a small encampment on the Madeira River’s edge in Rondonia, I worked with indigenous children, teaching and learning in equal measure. By 16, my journey had taken me to Mozambique, where I contributed to the founding of a school for adolescent orphans, a beacon of hope and empowerment for those on the cusp of adulthood.

Following university at 21, enriched by experiences and driven by a deep-seated commitment to service I set off again. It was a period of growth and professionalization, culminating in joining the United States Peace Corps and later, a pivotal role with the United Nations as a Senior Advisor in emergency situations. My career spanned 6 continents and more than 40 countries, from the Haiti Earthquake to displacement camps in Sri Lanka, each chapter adding layers to my resolve to make a tangible difference.

Settling in Groningen, Netherlands, in 2019, I sought not only a tranquil haven for my family but also a fertile ground for my humanitarian ambitions. Here, at the crossroads of personal and professional fulfillment, the concept of Humanity Link was born. It was a response to a glaring inefficiency within the humanitarian sector—the lack of proactive interaction with those in need. Drawing upon my experiences and the lessons learned through decades of fieldwork, I envisioned a platform that would bridge this gap, facilitating direct communication and assistance.

What we have today is a mobile platform that empowers vulnerable individuals to reach out, to be heard, and to receive aid, embodying the ethos of Humanity Link. The success of this initiative and my roles with the Red Cross and NRC have underscored the transformative potential of digital technology in humanitarian service.

Today, as I reflect on this journey, from the humble beginnings in Ohio to the global impact of Humanity Link, it is clear that the journey from idea to execution is not linear. It is a path paved with challenges, learning, and relentless pursuit of a vision. The story of Humanity Link is not just about bridging the gap between humanitarian organizations and those in need; it’s about redefining the very essence of humanitarian aid in the digital age.

As we look to the future, our mission is far from complete. The ambition to roll out Humanity Link commercially to other NGOs is a testament to our commitment to scale our impact, to touch more lives, and to continue writing this story of change. I invite you to join us in this endeavor, to be part of a movement that transcends boundaries, and together, shape a future where no call for help goes unanswered. You’re never too old to start another career.

Christopher , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Since starting my career in 1999, I’ve been on an extraordinary journey, blending innovation with humanitarian efforts at Humanity Link. My career commenced with a foundational stint in the Peace Corps in Kenya, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to humanitarian service and innovation. This experience was pivotal, teaching me the importance of grassroots efforts and the power of technology in transforming lives.

My roles have been varied and impactful. At World Vision International in East Africa, I led initiatives that significantly improved the lives of millions, overseeing programs worth over $600 million. The Food ATM project, a collaboration with Google and the World Food Programme, is a prime example of how technology can revolutionize aid delivery, earning recognition and awards for its innovative approach to food distribution.

My work extended to the United Nations Migration Agency, where I managed emergency and post-crisis programming across Asia and the Pacific, expanding the agency’s reach and effectiveness. The Digital Twin initiative with the Cyan Centre in the Netherlands further exemplifies my commitment to leveraging technology against global challenges like climate change, showcasing the potential for digital solutions in environmental sustainability.

At Humanity Link, I’ve spearheaded the development of a digital communication platform now integral to 80 projects worldwide, enabling the exchange of over 250 million messages and the distribution of $70 million in aid. This platform’s success across diverse environments—from Afghanistan to Colombia—highlights our innovative approach to problem-solving and our commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian communication.

These milestones represent just a fraction of my journey. Each role, each project has been a step toward a greater goal: to harness technology and innovation in building a more humane, sustainable world. My vision for Humanity Link is to scale these efforts, aiming to become the foremost communication platform for NGOs globally. Through continuous learning and innovation, I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in humanitarian aid, striving to make a lasting impact on the world.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Throughout my life, I’ve found myself constantly pivoting. Growing up in Southern Ohio, I had the incredible opportunity to travel the world and immerse myself in different cultures while working alongside missionaries. Transitioning from the familiarity of home to the vibrant communities of Zimbabwe, Brazil, and Mozambique was both exhilarating and challenging.

Initially, my aspirations led me down the path of medicine, fueled by a desire to make a difference. However, a pivotal moment during my university years altered my trajectory. Interning at a hospital in Zimbabwe, amidst the height of the AIDS pandemic, I realized that my calling lay elsewhere. It was a difficult decision to veer away from my dream of becoming a doctor, but ultimately, I found my true passion in international relations and business.

This shift opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. From there, my journey led me to the United Nations, where I began on a daily contract and gradually worked my way up to extended assignments spanning over 15 years. But as life evolved, so did my ambitions. I made the conscious choice to transition from the UN to the NGO sector, eventually finding myself in the Netherlands, collaborating with esteemed institutions like the Garrison Institute and the University of Huntingdon.

Each transition has been a learning experience, shaping me into the person I am today. I’ve come to embrace the concept of pivoting, recognizing that career paths are fluid and adaptable. It’s about staying open to change, seizing new opportunities, and never being afraid to pursue what truly ignites your passion. As I continue to evolve professionally, I’m grateful for the journey that has led me to where I am today, and I’m excited for the future possibilities that lie ahead.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Navigating the process of funding my business has been a deeply personal journey for me, especially as I’ve recently gone through this process myself. Starting off independently, I embarked on the daunting task of raising funds, reaching out to various individuals for support. While I was fortunate to have invaluable mentors guiding me along the way, their time was understandably limited, and I realized that I needed more dedicated assistance to propel my fundraising efforts forward.

This realization led me to seek out financial accelerators—entities willing to invest their time and resources, either for a fee or a percentage of the company, to aid in raising capital. Collaborating with them, we meticulously refined aspects like the business plan, cap table, and financial projections, ensuring accuracy and alignment with our goals. Together, we identified a cohort of investors whose values and objectives resonated with ours, recognizing the importance of aligning with individuals who share our ethos.

Finding the right investors is crucial, as it requires a balance between financial returns and social impact. Whether targeting traditional investors focused on market growth or seeking those invested in creating social change, the approach must be tailored to suit both parties’ needs. This entails exploring various financial offerings, from pure equity to convertible options, to find the optimal fit for our business model and market dynamics.

As I continue to navigate the fundraising process over the past two months, I’ve been fortunate to achieve a high success rate, thanks to the support of the financing company I’ve partnered with and the collaborative efforts of like-minded investors. Together, we pragmatically assess market opportunities, strategize on fundraising approaches, and work towards realizing our shared vision of impactful and sustainable growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.humanitylink.world
• Instagram: humlinked
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishoffmandrm/
• Twitter: @humlinked @cmhdrm
• Youtube: @chrishoffman73
• Other: www.christopherhoffman.info, https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanitylink/