The Artha Venture Challenge, a national competition run by the Artha Platform to find the most ambitious, early stage social entrepreneurs in India launched at the Sankalp Forum on April 17th, 2013.
The challenge is designed to fix a well-acknowledged problem – the missing middle in social finance where there is a lack of high risk, patient capital for early stage social ventures in the USD $50k – $200k range. To ensure that good ideas have the support to become big, the Artha Venture Challenge will be inviting applications from social ventures in India that are operating in the sectors of Agriculture, Energy, Water or Livelihoods and have completed proof of concept but are struggling to get the next round of patient capital. Other sectors will also be considered.
Through the Artha Venture Challenge, a selected cohort of up to 15 social entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to pitch for up to INR 25 lakh (USD 50,000) of funding if matched by the equivalent or more in co-investment. In addition, Artha will work with the cohort to build a compelling growth story, find investors, make strategic connections and provide expert mentoring designed to keep pace with the fast-growing social ventures.
If your enterprise is delivering positive impact in India and you are seeking growth (equity) investment on the basis of your existnig (minimum 1 yr) of operating activity, then the Artha Venture Challenge is for you.
To find out more, apply, nominate a venture or get involved as a co-funder or support organisation visit the Artha Venture Challenge website by clicking here.