Businesses and entrepreneurs in emerging markets have the power to drive economic and social impact. Together these small and medium enterprises (SMEs) generate between 70 and 95 percent of new employment opportunities. Often their major challenge is access to finance to grow their businesses and generate jobs at a faster pace. The funding gap for SMEs in emerging markets is estimated at €4.6 trillion.
As an impact investor, you create positive social change worldwide through crowdfunding at Lendahand. With your impact investments, you provide affordable loans to medium and small businesses in emerging markets. This enables the companies to grow, create jobs and realize better living conditions for people who need it most. Through the power of the crowd, we have already provided more than 170 million euros in loans that are making a positive impact on the lives of many people worldwide.
Making an impact is our core business. Our aim is to be transparent about the impact you make as a Lendahand investor. Every year Lendahand publishes an Annual Impact Report where we not only show the statistics but also tell the inspiring stories of our entrepreneurs behind the numbers. Understanding our impact also allows us to assess if we are still on the right track to achieving our impact ambitions. It’s not always as simple as it may seem. Download here our impact guide about how we measure and report impact.
More information on how our portfolio companies contribute to making an impact can be found on each project page’s “Impact” tab.
We contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
At Lendahand, your investments contribute to the following SDGs, click on an icon for more information:
Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
According to the United Nations, this first goal is also the most important goal. More than 700 million people, or 10% of the world’s population, still live in extreme poverty today, struggling to fulfill their most basic needs. All of our current investments have a positive impact on the lives of our entrepreneurs and their communities.
Goal 2: Zero hunger
The goal here is to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition. A profound change of the global food and agricultural system is needed if we want to nourish the more than 690 million people who are hungry today. Our agricultural portfolio companies help farmers achieve a more efficient and (sustainable) agri-business.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Currently around 35% of Lendahand investments went to women-led or women-focused businesses. Our ambition is to get this percentage to 55% within the next five years.
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Access to electricity in emerging markets has begun to accelerate. Energy efficiency continues to improve and innovative options for renewable energy are growing impressively. Lendahand’s portfolio offers reliable, clean energy solutions to individuals, families, farmers as well as commercial businesses all over Africa.
Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards. Since the start of our platform, Lendahand aims to create jobs and economic growth with all of our portfolio companies.
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
Inequality within and among countries is a persistent cause for concern. Ensuring no one is left behind is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Lendahand’s mission. That’s why our platform only offers investment opportunities in emerging markets, where they need it the most.
Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact
2010-2019 was the warmest decade ever recorded. Climate change is affecting every continent and is disrupting national economies and lives. Lendahand’s clean energy portfolio companies offer different ways to reduce CO2 emissions, from solar energy to biogas digesters to clean cooking solutions.
Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Lendahand collaborates with strong partners to achieve its mission and contribution towards the SDGs.
Featured impact story
Results and Insights: This is Lendahand's Impact Report 2023
By Lynn Hamerlinck on 14 June 2024
It's here: Lendahand's Impact Report 2023. The report is not just numbers; it also features various stories of entrepreneurs we supported with your investments last year.
Read more