Who founded the impact-investing nonprofit Acumen in 2001?

Jacqueline Novogratz founded the impact-investing nonprofit Acumen in 2001.

Novogratz created Acumen to address poverty through a model different from traditional charity or commercial venture capital. The organization uses “patient capital”—long-term investment designed to support businesses serving low-income communities while seeking financial sustainability. Its work has included backing enterprises involved in healthcare, agriculture, energy, housing, and water.

Before launching Acumen, Novogratz worked in international banking and development. She also helped establish Duterimbere, a microfinance institution in Rwanda, and led philanthropic leadership programs at the Rockefeller Foundation. Those experiences shaped her interest in combining entrepreneurial tools with social impact.

A common mix-up is confusing Acumen with Kiva, which is a microlending nonprofit founded by Matt Flannery and Jessica Jackley. Acumen is primarily an impact-investing organization and leadership network, while Kiva operates a platform connecting lenders with microfinance and other partners.