JoinPolitics is a nonpartisan organization headquartered in Berlin, Germany, established in 2020 with the aim of supporting political innovation and bringing new talent into politics. Founded by Caroline Weimann, JoinPolitics operates as a nonprofit incubator, focusing on addressing declining engagement with traditional political institutions in Germany. The organization is notable for attracting individuals with entrepreneurial mindsets who might otherwise pursue careers outside politics, such as in large technology companies.
With an initial financial backing of approximately 2.5 million euros from angel investors and smaller donors, JoinPolitics provides seed funding to individuals and teams developing novel political solutions. In its beta phase, the organization awarded 50,000 euros each to three pilot projects, including a cycling infrastructure initiative in Magdeburg and the Berlin-based Values Unite, which advocates for an EU-level agency for political education. Selected projects can also receive follow-up funding of up to 150,000 euros if they demonstrate impact.
JoinPolitics acts as a bridge, complementing established parties and civic engagement organizations rather than seeking to supplant them. It scouts for talent across diverse backgrounds, with an emphasis on including more women and minorities in political processes, and helps these “political entrepreneurs” test ideas and scale successful initiatives. The organization aspires to foster lasting involvement, aiming for a majority of supported candidates to remain active in politics over time, and builds a network of politically engaged innovators across party lines.