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For Arunachalam, MFI Industry Still Has Lessons to Learn
Ramesh Arunachalam, a development practitioner and staunch critic of the microfinance industry, recently published "The Journey of Indian Microfinance: Lessons for the Future." In a NextBillion interview, he suggests a practical framework that policy-makers and other stakeholders will need to follow in order for Microfinance to thrive once more.
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- Uncategorized
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Reaching the Next Billion Through Mobile
As a preview to this week?s Columbia Social Enterprise Conference, I had the pleasure of speaking with mobile technology innovator Nathan Eagle, co-founder and CEO of Jana. Currently generating revenue in over 50 countries, Jana (Sanskrit for ?people?) enables global organizations to directly engage with BoP consumers through mobile phones.
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- Social Enterprise, Technology
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With Video: From Strawberries to Solar Lamps, Why Profit is the Only Way to Scale
In a wide-ranging discussion with The Economist Columnist Matthew Bishop at the ANDE Annual Conference 2011, Paul Polak, serial entrepreneur and BoP thought leader, said SMEs need to think BIG. Polak used to say don’t bother if you don’t plan to reach one million customers. Today, he thinks in terms of 100 million. Watch the full video discussion.
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- Investing
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Columbia Social Enterprise Conference Preview: Investing in Social Innovation
KL Felicitas Foundation began in 2000 with a vision to scale social innovation through impact investing and support social enterprises everywhere along the spectrum from the seed stage to start-ups that are rapidly expanding. The co-founders will be on the panel "Impact Investors Spreading Social Innovation"at the conference this Friday.
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- Social Enterprise
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- impact investing
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Proteak’s IPO Journey, Part II: Lessons Learned
In part one of my interview with Proteak Founder Hector Bonilla, he explained why the Mexico-based sustainable timber company decided to go public. In the part two he shares how the initial public offering changed the company for the long-term, and shares advice for social entrepreneurs and their investors seeking a successful financial exit.
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- Environment
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The FOUND Middle: An ANDE Video Series
ANDE is all about identifying and supporting businesses that are often too large for microfinance, but too small for traditional financing (AKA: the missing middle). But "missing" implies this sector doesn’t exist, when in fact there is a thriving ecosystem of small and growing businesses. Today, we’re launching video series that spotlights them.
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- Investing
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Friday Roundup ? 9/30/11: The IFC’s 7 Business Models for Inclusion, Are There More?
The International Finance Corporation took a close look at its investment portfolio and found seven common traits of successful inclusive businesses. In its recently released report, Accelerating Inclusive Business Opportunities, the IFC highlights those models - from micro distributions to smallholder procurement. Did the IFC miss any?
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- Uncategorized
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On the Quest for Exits: Proteak’s Successful IPO
In the impact investing sector, conversations about the need for financial exits abound, but there are scant few cases. Proteak, a Mexico renewable tropical forestry company that sells conflict-free plantation teak wood products, is one sterling example. In a two-part interview, Proteak Founder Hector Bonilla walks us through the firm’s 2010 IPO.
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- Education, Environment
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- impact investing
