Press Release: Fast Company Names Worldreader One of the Top 10 Most Innovative Not-For-Profit Companies

SAN FRANCISCO — February 16, 2016 — Worldreader, a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy in the developing world using digital books, today announced that it has been named by Fast Company as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Not-For-Profit Companies. Most innovative Companies is one of Fast Company’s most significant and highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year.

Worldreader uses everyday technology like cell phones and ereaders to unlock the potential of the one billion people held back by illiteracy and lack of access to books. To date, the organization and its partners have supported readers in 69 countries at a cost of as little as $2/person. Their digital library provides 28,500 relevant titles in 43 languages and helps create a culture of reading within classrooms and throughout communities.

Worldreader has also been a significant boon to local publishers in emerging markets, helping them embrace digital publishing and enlarging their markets. As a result, African and Indian publishers can now reach readers far outside their local communities.

“Literacy unlocks human potential. With a little technology and a little help, everyone has the power to be a reader,” said Worldreader CEO and Co-Founder David Risher.

“We are grateful to play a part in creating a more literate world, and are deeply humbled to have our work acknowledged by Fast Company.”

Worldreader recently released the top digital books read by children and adults on mobile devices across Asia and Africa in 2015. In total, more than 6 million children, adults and families have read more than 17 million hours on its mobile phone applications and Kindle ereaders.

Fast Company editor Robert Safian added, “This year’s package — which includes top ten lists in 27 sectors — emphasizes the breadth of companies with progressive, agile business models, cultures of creativity, and ability to adapt in today’s fast-paced world.”

About Worldreader
Worldreader is a global nonprofit that believes everyone can be a reader. In its first six years, Worldreader and its partners have reached over 6 million children, students, and families in 69 countries with a digital library of 28,500 local and international ebooks via ereaders and mobile phones; it plans to reach 15 million readers by 2018. Worldreader works with device manufacturers, local and international publishers, government agencies, education officials, and local communities to support readers everywhere. To read free books on your mobile phone via Worldreader, visit read.worldreader.org.

For more information on Worldreader, please visit www.worldreader.org.

About Fast Company
Fast Company is  the  world’s  leading  progressive  business  media  brand,  with  a unique  editorial  focus  on  innovation  in  technology,  ethical  economics,  leadership, and  design.  Headquartered  in  New  York  City, Fast Company is  published  by Mansueto Ventures LLC, one of the U.S.’s leading media companies.