Acumen
Acumen is a nonprofit organization established in 2001 and based in New York City, with additional offices in Mumbai, Nairobi, Karachi, and Accra. The organization is dedicated to poverty eradication by raising charitable funds to invest in early-stage companies that provide essential services such as clean energy, healthcare, education, agricultural inputs, formal housing, and safe drinking water to low-income communities. Acumen has made significant investments totaling $128 million in 128 companies across 14 countries, impacting the lives of over 308 million individuals. The organization collaborates with notable partners, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Google.org, to address critical challenges faced by underserved populations.
Uncommon Cacao
Series A in 2016
Uncommon Cacao, Inc., founded in 2010 and based in Berkeley, California, operates as a premium cacao supply chain business that connects smallholder organic cacao farmers directly with specialty chocolate makers. The company began its efforts by establishing Maya Mountain Cacao in Belize, which aimed to provide meaningful market access for local farmers. Following its success, Uncommon Cacao expanded by founding Cacao Verapaz in Guatemala in 2013, further enhancing its impact on local economies. By focusing on purchasing fresh cacao beans directly from farmers, Uncommon Cacao eliminates intermediaries, allowing producers to retain a larger share of profits while ensuring that responsible exporters have access to high-quality cacao. The company also offers support through supply chain logistics, trade finance, working capital, and insurance for international shipping services to benefit cacao farmers.
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