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.
GramVaani
Venture Round in 2023
Gram Vaani, a social tech company based at IIT-Delhi, aims to empower underserved communities by facilitating a bottom-up flow of information. The company operates a network of community radio stations in India and Africa, utilizing an intelligent Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. This platform enables users to share and receive messages about local issues, cultural updates, and government initiatives. By making information accessible and encouraging dialogue, Gram Vaani has successfully engaged over 2 million users across more than 15 Indian states, as well as in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Namibia, and South Africa. The organization focuses on utilizing simple technologies and social context to design tools that foster communication within communities, ultimately aiding in their development.
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