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Investment principles

Man carries a banana bunch through a Colombian farm

Our commitment to deploy capital where it is needed most

Investing with purpose

These eight principles guide our use of capital to solve problems of poverty and build a world based on dignity.

Principle 1

We use investing as a means to change systems and catalyze markets to provide choice and opportunity for people living in poverty.

Woman hangs solar powered light over her kitchen sink in East Africa

Principle 2

We strive to stay proximate to and understand the complex problems of poverty and structure our capital to enable innovative solutions.

Women and children gleefully laugh in front of their east African home

Principle 3

We deploy Patient Capital to solve problems investing in early-stage, high-risk business models that are led by values-aligned entrepreneurs.

Man tends to a large crop field on hill in East Africa

Principle 4

We accompany investees with strategic support and hold them and ourselves accountable to values, impact, and business objectives.

Two workers place coconut meat into machine to be ground in a East African processing facility

Principle 5

We believe that impact must be measured and actively managed to create the change that we seek.

Hand grasps solar panel in East Africa

Principle 6

We prioritize impact and long-term financial sustainability over financial returns.

Women carries crops in a East African farm

Principle 7

We share and leverage our insights to influence key stakeholders in service of solving problems of poverty.

Acumen Fellow Carlos Ignacio Velasco and Acumen Investee Vijay Sai Pratap speak at a panel

Principle 8

We build strategic partnerships and invest in sector-building initiatives to catalyze systemic change.

Two investors tour facility and listen intently to worker