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Problems we solve

Groups of workers stand ready to review on-site construction training

We know what it takes to solve the toughest problems of poverty.

Solving problems and changing lives, one investment at a time.

We’ve always believed that the marketplace can solve problems of poverty if directed toward impact. We invest in companies transforming lives in three ways.

We invest in companies that help to create new markets where none exist or provide critical goods and services that people in poverty would not otherwise be able to access.

We support companies that help people in poverty lead productive, dignified lives by building their capabilities and increasing their resilience.

We invest in solutions that support workers at the end of the value chain and correct market inequities that prolong the poverty cycle.

Woman pours in grain for milling into flour in East African shed
Woman driving a rickshaw, motorbike, through a neighborhood street in India
Farmer carefully examines and picks coffee beans on Colombian farm

Our focus is fixed. We’re doubling down where our capital can have the greatest impact.

We’ve invested in regional markets across a number of sectors for over twenty years. In that time, we’ve learned a lot about what type of capital, partnerships, and companies can make a difference in specific regional markets. 

Education

We are closing the education gap in East Africa by improving access to quality learning for low-income communities.

Girl at a desk smiles as her classmates settle down for class

Workforce

We’re building a fairer future for workers by preparing them for the job market, improving working conditions, and creating dignified jobs.

Man sorts plantains into crates on a banana farm in Colombia

Healthcare

We address disparities in the U.S. healthcare system by improving access and treatment for low-income Medicaid patients.

Woman soothes baby while sitting on chair in her living room

Agriculture

We protect smallholder farmers’ livelihoods by supporting climate-resilient practices and securing fairer prices that increase yields and incomes.

Woman sprays water from a hose onto trees and crops in East Africa

Energy

We’re ending energy poverty by providing first-time access, delivering solar-powered appliances, and building clean energy infrastructure.

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

The results speak for themselves.

Since we invest for impact, we let the work teach us. Explore case studies across our five key sectors.

Case Study

Ed Partners

Education East Africa 2021

Financing the future of education in East Africa

A group of school children gleefully lookout the window from a building in Kenya
Case Study

Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Workforce India 2024

Unlocking billions in benefits for India’s underserved

3 women have a discussion in a Indian neighborhood alleyway
Case Study

Gigante Central Wet-Mill

Agriculture Latin America 2016

A blueprint for community-based investing

Hand hold coffee beans above larger bucket of coffee beans in Colombia
Case Study

Ziqitza Healthcare Limited

Healthcare India 2006

Building the foundation for emergency medical services in India

Medical professional conducts examination in the back of a Ziqitza ambulette in India
Case Study

Koolboks

Energy West Africa 2022

Innovation is cool in Nigeria

Impact at the intersection

Our investments touch some of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

Woman shopkeeper smile gleefully while at her stall in East Africa

Gender lens investing

Women make up half the world. We can’t solve problems of poverty without them.

Learn more
Hands carefully grasp stalk leaves in greenhouse

Climate resilience

We work at the nexus of poverty and climate in almost every sector.

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More about Acumen

What we do

We solve problems by combining the best qualities of philanthropy and business to break the cycle of poverty.

Knowledge hub

We learn from every investment we make. See how our insights across sectors and regions have shaped our investment approach.