About: Acumen is a social venture fund that is changing the way the world tackles poverty by investing in companies, leaders and ideas. We invest patient capital in business models that deliver critical goods and services to the world’s poor, improving the lives of millions. Since 2001, Acumen has invested more than $88 million in 82 companies across South Asia, Latin America and Africa, all focused on delivering affordable healthcare, water, housing, agricultural inputs, education and energy to the poor. We are also working to build a global community of emerging leaders that believe in creating a more inclusive world through the tools of both business and philanthropy.

Average Investment Size : $1M ($200K-$2M)

Investment Period : 5-10 years

Website : acumen.org

Target Market: Base of the Pyramid (BoP) customers

Sector Focus: Health, Energy, Agriculture, Water, Housing and Education

Business Model (Proft/Not-for-Profit) : For-profit

Stage of Operation: Early-mid stage companies that are in the process of scaling. (We rarely invest in pure start-up companies.)

Other Criteria:

1) Potential for Significant Social Impact

2) Potential for Financial Sustainability

3) Potential to Achieve Scale