Inspired by (the) Acumen (Fund)

It goes beyond being Powered by Principle--and straight into the next dimension. Instead of engaging in micro-lending or charity, also valuable contributions to emerging markets, Acumen is a "patient" venture fund.

Here's how they describe themselves:
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.

Founded by Jacqueline Novogratz, the idea is to invest relatively small amounts of capital in businesses in merging markets, and then working directly with the business to guide it to the point where it is serving or selling to one million or more customers among the poor--and is self-sustaining.

Following on from the last entry in this blog, ultimately, small, thriving businesses in emerging markets are the surest way to lift the world's poor into sustainability.

For more on Jacqueline Novogratz and the Acumen Fund, visit:
Stanford Business Journal
Social Edge Blog
Business Week
TED Talks
Reuters