Acumen is a global community working towards changing the way the world tackles poverty. They believe neither the markets nor aid alone can solve the problems of poverty. Their vision is a world based on dignity, where human beings have the same opportunity. Rather than giving philanthropy away, they invest in:
1) COMPANIES
They invest in companies focused on serving low-income customers. ACUMEN seeks out the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs whose game-changing innovations are disrupting poverty. They invest patient capital in them, providing the exibility and security to grow their businesses and reach as many poor customers as possible. In addition they also equip them with the tools, networks, technical assistance and strategic guidance needed to succeed and scale into long-term solutions to poverty.
2) LEADERS
They invest in leaders, which have the courage and moral imagination to disrupt the status quo. Their yearlong Global and Regional Fellows Programs develop extraordinary individuals with the knowledge, support system and practical wisdom to unlock their full potential to drive positive social change.
3) IDEAS
They invest in ideas that innovate and accelerate solutions to poverty. They team up with companies that share their vision of building a world based on dignity and catalyzing solutions through innovation.
+ACUMEN
Through +Acumen their global learning platform— everyone, everywhere, can become an agent of positive change. +Acumen’s free, world-class online courses and peer-based chapters have already empowered more than 529,000 individuals to think differently, learn collaboratively and be part of a growing community of global citizens.
ACUMEN PAKISTAN
Acumen Pakistan is harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to help low income Pakistanis out of poverty.
THE PROBLEM
While Pakistan has experienced rapid economic development in recent years, more than 60% of Pakistan’s 220 million people still live on less than $2 per day. More than 80% live on less than $4 a day. For much of the country, basic goods and services and access to markets remain out of reach.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Social enterprises are important drivers of economic and social progress. With more than 70 per cent of the country’s population under the age of 30, Pakistan’s youth are poised to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs whose companies will be important sources of innovation, employment and productivity growth.
THE SOLUTION
Investing in companies with the capacity to make both markets and government systems work better for the poor this will generate sustainable, long-term solutions to poverty and build a more equitable economy for all.
The Areas of Investment:
- AGRICULTURE
They invest in companies focused on integrating smallholder farmers into global supply chains and provide them with access to better products that allow them to sustainably increase production and sell more crops.
- ENERGY
Investment in pioneering clean energy solutions that include: high-quality household solar products, energy generation, mini-grid systems, technological innovations such as pay-as-you-go platforms and smart metering.
- HEALTH
Their investments support a range of solutions to provide affordable, high- quality health care and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of medical treatment for low-income families everywhere.
- EDUCATION
They invest in companies that are helping repair Pakistan’s education system by creating affordable, high- quality educational solutions for low-income students and families.
INVESTING APPROACH
ACUMEN looks for companies at the earliest stages of innovation that are creating real commercial value while driving lasting social impact. Unlike a traditional non-profit or a VC, we invest philanthropic dollars, rather than give them away, into extraordinary entrepreneurs committed to improving the lives of Pakistanis living in poverty.
- SEED AND SERIES A INVESTMENTS
Seed Equity and Debt investments: $100k to $250k investments (such as equity, debt or other capital structures) help startups validate assumptions, bring products and services to market and begin to scale and grow.
- FOLLOW-ON CAPITAL
Investing philanthropic capital in a social enterprise’s earliest stages helps de-risk
a company so it can attract more traditional, follow-on investment.
- ACCESS TO EXPERTISE
ACUMEN companies have access to their expertise and a network of advisers with deep insight into sectors, channels and customers in these communities.
- POST-INVESTMENT SUPPORT
They offer active post-investment support in the areas of strategy, governance, customer insights and fundraising