Upaya Social Ventures

Invests and provides consultancy to social businesses that gives jobs to the poor

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About

  • Headquarters

    Bangalore, Karnataka

  • Since

    2011

Established in 2011, Upaya Social Ventures was conceived with the purpose of generating dignified employment opportunities for individuals enduring se Read morevere poverty through the establishment of scalable enterprises, supported by investments and consultancy services. Upaya’s aim is to create 50,000 dignified jobs by the year 2025. To achieve this goal, it facilitates the development of early-stage companies that fall beyond the scope of microfinance but have yet to reach the stage of readiness for traditional investments. As the initial institutional investor for many of its portfolio partners, it places emphasis on not just the quantity but the quality of jobs generated. This is especially crucial for individuals who are in dire need of the stability and security that stem from a steady income. Employing the innovative "recycled philanthropy" model, Upaya provides capital that is marked by greater patience and a strong focus on outcomes. The portfolio companies are located in some of the most challenging regions and industries in India, areas where many investors are reluctant to venture. However, Upaya willingly embraces this risk, as it is through such efforts that it can uplift more individuals from the grip of extreme poverty.

Demographies Served

Programs

  • Dignified jobs collaborative

    Dignified jobs are characterized by their safety, stability, inclusivity, and the sense of fulfillment they offer. For those enduring extreme poverty, a dignified job represents an opportunity to shift their focus from mere survival to future planning. The impact of this transformation extends to the jobholders, their families, and the communities they are part of.
    Small and burgeoning businesses, such as Upaya’s portfolio partners, play a significant role in generating over 60% of India's new jobs. However, they often find themselves in the "missing middle" category, facing challenges in raising capital. They are too substantial for microfinance loans yet not quite sizable enough to attract traditional funders.
    Upaya’s pioneering model consolidates philanthropic resources into a pool of recoverable grants, which are then channeled as loans to businesses focused on job creation.

Leadership Team

  • A B Chakravarthy

    India Country Director

  • Ankur Mehta

    Director - Portfolio & Investment

  • Shruti Goel

    Director of Impact Measurement & Management

  • Aditi Das

    Program Associate

  • Madlin D'silva

    Senior Communications Associate

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    21-50

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • FCRA

    Not Available

  • CSR Registration Number

    Not Available

Location

  • Headquarters

    91Springboard 21 George Thangiah Complex 80 Feet Road Near Sir CV Raman Hospital Bangalore, KA, 560038

    Directions
  • Offices in Cities

Other Details

  • Type & Sub Type

    Non-profit