Yasmina Zaidman is the Senior Director of Acumen America, the non-profit impact investment fund that invests in businesses tackling poverty. Her journey to becoming an Acumen advocate started with a desire to help improve the lives of millions of people living in poverty in America.
Zaidman’s first exposure to the world of social impact came early on in her career when she worked as a management consultant. She spent a good part of her career helping companies become more efficient and successful. However, she soon realized that the work didn’t feel meaningful enough. Zaidman wanted to do something that would leave a significant impact on the world.
In 2010, Zaidman accepted a position at Acumen, impressed by its mission of improving the lives of the poor in Africa, Asia, and Latin America by investing in social enterprises. She saw that the strategy of investing in businesses that create both financial and social returns was a game-changer when it came to development. Acumen’s unique investment model focused on addressing the root causes of poverty, giving people a hand-up rather than a handout. By working closely with entrepreneurs from low-income communities, Acumen gave them the support and resources needed to build businesses that directly impacted the lives of people in their communities.
Over time, Zaidman’s impact at Acumen grew, becoming instrumental in the launch of Acumen America in 2015. Acumen America focused on supporting entrepreneurs tackling poverty in the United States. It is a reflection of the belief shared by the founders that the innovative approach to investing in poverty had a place in the richest country in the world.
Since its launch, Acumen America has made investments in companies that are transforming the sectors of health, education, and workforce development. These investments have helped create jobs and improve the lives of millions of people in the United States. Acumen America’s portfolio companies have had a total of over $60 million in revenue, raised over $120 million in funding, and created over 3,000 jobs, making a significant impact on the lives of many people.
Zaidman has been a driving force behind the success of Acumen America, being instrumental in the launch of the $15 million Pioneer Fund, which was aimed at filling the gap in funding for social impact businesses. Zaidman has overseen the growth in portfolio companies, helping entrepreneurs to navigate the complex and challenging environment of investment.
Yasmina Zaidman’s success story is an inspiration to many. Her journey of transformation from a management consultant to a champion of social impact demonstrates that one person can make a tremendous difference in the world. Her story also highlights the importance of organizations like Acumen, which are dedicated to helping businesses that work towards social and financial returns. Through her leadership at Acumen America, Zaidman has helped create a movement that is making a positive impact in the fight against poverty.
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