India

Rooted in Mumbai since 2001, we invest in off-grid energy, resilient agriculture, and dignity of work.
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Workforce
Our impact in India
The world’s most populous country can change the trajectory of global poverty.
India’s population is expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 and 176 million people currently live below the poverty line. We’re scaling up investments to lift communities out of poverty.
Ninety percent of India’s 500 million workers are informally employed and experience unsafe, unstable working conditions. We’re creating sustainable and dignified employment opportunities for vulnerable workers.

Repairing broken systems, one idea at a time
We don’t have to settle for the status quo. The solutions to poverty exist and they’re within our reach.
Our investees
problem: Agriculture
region: India
Kumaon Tea
A community-ownership model for sustainable tea production
problem: Workforce
region: India
Anuprerna
A fashion brand that helps rural artisans bring handloom fabrics to the global market
problem: Workforce
region: India
ReCircle
A circular supply chain platform that is transforming India’s plastic waste industry
problem: Energy
region: India
S4S Technologies
Increasing smallholder farmer incomes and reducing food waste with solar-powered drying machines
problem: Energy
region: India
Promethean Power Systems
An off-grid refrigeration manufacturer increasing Indian dairy farmers’ incomes for their yields
problem: Workforce
region: India
LabourNet
Providing vocational end-to-end training to improve opportunities for individuals in India’s informal workforce
problem: Energy
region: India
Frontier Markets
A distribution company that ensures affordable, renewable energy products reach India’s most remote communities
problem: Energy
region: India
Oorja Development Solutions Limited
A farming-as-a-service company working at the intersection of sustainable agriculture and clean energy.
Don’t just take our word for it.
The proof is in the progress. From Bangalore to Mumbai, Indian companies are moving the needle on problems of poverty.
Our Foundry
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2015
Uthara Narayanan
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2016
Shruthi Iyer
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2018
Aniket Doegar
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2018
Samina Bano
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2020
Jabir Karat
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2020
Nidhi Pant
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2021
Nitesh Bhardwaj
fellowship: India
acumen-year: 2022
Shanavas C
Our team
office: Mumbai
office: New York
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
office: Mumbai
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Partnering for impact
Creating change at scale flows from the power of community. We achieve more when we work together.






Where action meets insight
Still curious? Explore our blog.
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Mahesh Yagnaraman, Director of Acumen India, shares insights on Acumen’s Energy for Livelihoods initiatives.
Change is the domain of us all.
Building a world based on dignity encompasses many people and paths. Join us.
Support our work
Our donor community makes possible our unique approach to solving problems that breaks the cycle of poverty.
Partner for impact
We partner with foundations, governments, and corporations to generate insights, create influence, and scale change.
Grow your business
We invest in intrepid entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators tackling the problems of poverty.