A Tech Startup Is Making Millions Helping Charity Go Viral Online

Chances are you've seen an Omaze video, although you may not have realized what company was behind it. The Santa Monica, California-based startup blew up tanks with Arnold Schwarzenegger, hung out with Iron Man, and handed out a cameo appearance for one lucky fan in the new Star Wars film.

These experiences racked up millions of views, and along the way raised millions for nonprofit causes. But while these might have seemed like run-of-the-mill charitable campaigns, they were in fact part of a brand new for-profit business model.

Omaze was founded by Ryan Cummins and Matt Pohlson, best friends from college who reunited at the Clinton Foundation to work on the Decade of Difference concert series.