We believe that entrepreneurs offer an underutilised resource in the fight against climate change and deforestation. Through supporting organisations and enterprises that provide sustainable livelihoods for people that also protect or enhance the health of our environment we can help create a new low carbon development paradigm. Current and past grantees include:
Acumen Fund www.acumenfund.org
Acumen Fund is a non-profit global venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty. We seek to prove that small amounts of philanthropic capital, combined with large doses of business acumen, can build thriving enterprises that serve vast numbers of the poor. Our investments focus on delivering affordable, critical goods and services — like health, water, housing and energy — through innovative, market-oriented approaches. Zennström Philanthropies has made a donation to the fund to support their core activities.
The Ashden Awards www.ashdenawards.org
The Ashden Awards celebrate and reward visionary champions who are finding solutions to climate change that are also bringing real social and economic benefits to their local communities. Across the UK and developing world, their award winners are inspirational examples of simple, practical ways to cut CO2 emissions while also improving quality of life. Whether harnessing technology, energy efficiency or renewable sources such as solar, wind or biomass they’re all beacons to encourage others to take the sustainable energy path. Zennström Philanthropies is sponsoring the international Ashden Energy Enterprise Award (see more info on the 2009 Global green award winner ECAMI).
E+Co www.eandco.net
E+Co makes clean energy investments in developing countries. With 15 years of experience and offices in 10 locations, E+Co’s innovative business model provides lasting solutions to climate change and poverty. E+Co’s business development support and investment capital serve to create energy businesses that have a positive social and environmental impact while generating financial returns.
New Ventures www.new-ventures.org
The New Ventures program of the World Resources Institute promotes sustainable growth in emerging markets by supporting and accelerating the transfer of capital to businesses that deliver social and environmental benefits at the base of the economic pyramid. New Ventures selects SMEs in fast-growth, environmental and BoP sectors such as ecotourism, renewable energy, clean technologies and water management. Since its inception in 1999, New Ventures has helped its entrepreneurs to attract over $175 million in investment. In addition, New Ventures’ companies are opening new markets, growing sales, and becoming leaders in their sectors.
Root Capital www.rootcapital.org
Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that is pioneering finance for grassroots businesses in rural areas of developing countries. They provide capital, financial education, and market connections to small and growing businesses that build sustainable livelihoods and transform rural communities in poor, environmentally vulnerable places. Since their launch, they have provided more than $120 million in credit to 235 grassroots enterprises in 30 countries, maintaining a 99% repayment rate from our borrowers and a 100% repayment rate to our investors.