Upaya Social Ventures

Upaya Social Ventures operates as an impact investor, providing capital and consulting support to early-stage businesses focused on alleviating extreme poverty. The organization employs a unique recycled philanthropy model, channeling funds and expertise into ventures that are often overlooked by traditional investors but possess the potential to create sustainable, dignified employment. This approach targets companies requiring more patient and outcomes-driven capital.

The organization was co-founded in 2011 by Sachi Shenoy, Sriram Gutta, and Steve Schwartz. Their shared insight stemmed from extensive research into ultra-poverty, recognizing the critical need for sustainable economic opportunities. They identified that building scalable businesses could offer a more enduring solution to extreme poverty than traditional aid models, leading to the establishment of a venture-focused on job creation.

Upaya's portfolio companies are primarily early-stage enterprises in India, operating in challenging geographies and industries. These businesses serve as the vehicles for generating dignified jobs for vulnerable communities. The company's long-term vision is to enable the creation of 300,000 dignified jobs by 2030, believing that quality employment is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a dignified future for all.