Acumen Fund is a worldwide venture capital firm with a double purpose: it looks for a return on its investments, and in addition, it seeks entrepreneurial solutions to global poverty. This case examines Acumen's new jobs in Kenya. The organization's investment committee and its chief investment officer, Brian Trelstad, must determine whether to fund two for-profit enterprises. The first supplies clean and accessible shower and toilet facilities in urban areas, serving a critical need for low income populations - its financial sustainability, nevertheless, is less apparent.
The second investment is a network of triumphant private health clinics that mainly serve mid-income populations but which have the possibility to reach low income marketplaces. On what basis should the Acumen decide whether or not to invest? Political and social unrest breaks out in Kenya following a very contested presidential election as the investment committee nears a decision. Acumen Fund must now also consider the political risks of investing.
PUBLICATION DATE: September 16, 2009 PRODUCT #: 310011-HCB-ENG
This is just an excerpt. This case is about LEADERSHIP & MANAGING PEOPLE
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