SAGANA

#MeetTheTeam  We are delighted to introduce Radhika Ramachandran, our dynamic Investment Manager. Having spent a decade in the Food & Beverage and Life Sciences sectors in different functions, Radhika brings a unique experience to our team.  At SAGANA, Radhika specializes in global investments within the food and agriculture sector. She is passionate about driving and supporting game-changing sustainability solutions that create a positive impact through food systems. Radhika has held various roles in renowned organizations. She was an Investment Associate at M Ventures, where she focused on identifying investment opportunities that aligned with Merck’s sustainability strategy. Prior to M Ventures, Radhika was a Strategy Specialist for Merck Life Sciences and worked on strategic initiatives to drive growth and innovation. Her earlier experience includes a six-year tenure at Nestlé R&D, where she contributed to groundbreaking research and development projects.  In her free time, Radhika enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and discovering culinary delights from different cultures.  #SAGANA #MeetTheTeam #InvestmentManager #LifeSciences #FoodAndBeverage #Sustainability #Innovation #Technology #Leadership

#CompanySpotlight  Arriba Inclusive Finance Private Limited (Arriba) is transforming financial accessibility for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Central India, focusing on underserved regions like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Arriba empowers small business owners by, offering affordable interest rate loans in various sectors such as retail traders, agricultural processors, light engineering services, and dairy, helping to address the unmet financial needs of local entrepreneurs. 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦:  MSMEs in Central India face barriers to accessing affordable and fair financing. Traditional banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) often overlook these regions, leaving many entrepreneurs lacking the capital necessary to fuel their growth. Many entrepreneurs run sound businesses with potential but lack a formal credit history and remain excluded from the financial mainstream. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭?  An affiliate of @Samhita, a renowned impact finance leader, Arriba leverages its network and expertise to provide tailored financial solutions. Beyond meeting immediate financial needs, Arriba integrates non-credit initiatives such as digital financial literacy, skill-building, and health awareness, equipping entrepreneurs with essential knowledge to uplift their livelihoods. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰:  India has over 64 million MSMEs, yet only 14% have access to formal credit. This leaves a significant credit gap of USD 530 billion, especially in underserved regions across Central India. Arriba aims to bridge this gap by leveraging its borrower community and local insights, positioning itself as a key player in MSME financing. Arriba is a SAGANA portfolio company To learn more about Arriba and their services, please visit https://arribafin.com To learn more about Samhita and their services, please visit https://sDevNet.org #SAGANA #ImpactInvesting #FinancialInclusion #MSMEFinance #WomenEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment  Praseeda Kunam

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐬? Associate Partner, Kelly Roberts-Robbins, shares 4 guiding principles: 👇 1. Embrace Vulnerability: senior leaders should strive to be open and vulnerable to feedback. This approach fosters a culture of trust and inclusivity within organizations.  2. Kindness and Communication: Kindness and effective communication are essential pillars of an inclusive company culture. Recognizing that every team member has a unique life and career history helps shape a more empathetic and supportive workplace.  3. Inclusive Company Culture: Setting an inclusive culture involves more than just publishing a code of conduct. Leaders must actively and repeatedly communicate their efforts to make their workplace a safer space, considering the diverse experiences of their team members.  4. Diverse Learning and Communication Styles: Leaders should accommodate various learning and communication styles. Providing multiple avenues for feedback—such as group contexts, 1-on-1 meetings, and anonymous channels—ensures that all voices are heard. Incorporating people's practices that have diversity in mind can benefit all employees in their experience of a company culture.  This is critical for growing businesses, where attrition is a significant cost. Kelly shared these insights as part of a panel discussion at the ‘Being Bold with Inclusion’ event hosted by Serein, thank you again for inviting us to speak alongside other inspiring individuals. #Inclusion #Equity #Diversity #Leadership #SAGANA #BeingBoldWithInclusion Dr. Ishani Roy

We are thrilled that Cyclic Materials has received a significant investment from Microsoft. This strategic investment aims to accelerate climate tech innovation, supporting Cyclic Materials' efforts in advancing climate tech and highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Cyclic Materials, a SAGANA portfolio company, is at the forefront of creating a circular economy for rare earth elements. By leveraging their pioneering technology, they are transforming how we recycle and reuse critical materials, which is vital for a sustainable future. Read the full announcement: https://shorturl.at/w56fU #SAGANA #ImpactInvesting #ClimateTech #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy #PortfolioCompanyNews #InvestmentNews Ahmad Ghahreman

Emerging female fund managers face significant barriers that limit their growth and success in the investment industry. Despite strong evidence showing that women-led and gender-diverse fund management teams perform better financially—generating up to 20% 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 (𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬)—female fund managers remain underrepresented in the investment industry, with less than 3% of all Private Equity/Venture Capital (PE/VC) capital flowing to them.    In a recent report, SAGANA and Chemonics International presented their insights on the challenges faced by emerging female fund managers.    The infographic highlights 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐬). Each category outlines specific barriers that hinder female fund managers' success and growth. By understanding these constraints, we can better address and support the needs of women in the investment industry.    At Sagana, we believe investing in women unleashes untapped potential, driving innovation, and economic growth, and fostering more inclusive and sustainable societies. Ensuring “diversity in every stage of the capital stack and entrepreneur journey will help build “a future that our hearts know is possible.”    Read the technical brief here https://lnkd.in/g4Kmwfwp    Ayla Bitmouni Dany Khy B. James Soukamneuth Kerry Dittmeier Aditi Annapurna Kelly Roberts-Robbins Malvika Dwivedi Raya Papp Macarena Machimbarrena #SAGANA #ImpactInvesting #GenderSmart #GenderLensInvesting #InvestInWomen #PrivateSectorEngagement #ClimateChange #HealthSystems 

Investors now have a powerful opportunity to strengthen nutritious food value chains while making impactful investments in women globally.  We’re proud to share "The Case for Investment in Nutritious Foods Value Chains: An Opportunity for Gender Impact”, a new report produced in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).  This report highlights six nutritious food value chains where strategic investments can deliver both economic and social returns, supporting the millions of women who are integral to the agrifood sector. Additionally, GAIN offers nine case studies that further illustrate the potential of these investments upon request.   Read the report to explore the comprehensive analysis and insights: https://lnkd.in/gDeqD6zP Erika Kahn Kelly Roberts-Robbins Malvika Dwivedi Macarena Machimbarrena Ninon Alaniou Roberta Bove Stella Nordhagen #Sagana #ImpactInvesting #NutritiousFoods #GenderEquality #Sustainability 

Major Milestone for EBOOST We are excited to share that EBOOST has entered a strategic partnership with BYD Auto Vietnam, a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing.    This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant step forward in driving sustainable development and scale within Vietnam's electric vehicle (EV) market. This collaboration will further enable EBOOST to provide efficient and convenient charging solutions for all EV users, including BYD’s users in Vietnam. By enhancing infrastructure and promoting green transportation, this partnership contributes to improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and bolstering the green economy. At SAGANA, we are proud to support EBOOST as they lead the charge in eco-friendly transportation solutions.   Join us in celebrating this transformative partnership and its positive impact on the community! EBOOST is a Sagana portfolio company. 🔗 Learn more about EBOOST and their innovative work https://eboost.vn/en/    #SAGANA #ImpactInvesting #Decarbonization #ElectricalVehicles #EVCharging #GreenTransition #EBOOSTVIETNAM #BYD #Sustainability #GreenEconomy #ClimateAction François Ritchot Stefan Kaufmann Sushant Sharma

SAGANA is excited to announce Netri Foundation’s recent loan of USD 500,000 to Arriba Inclusive Finance Private Limited (Arriba). Netri was supported by Sagana in this investment in Arriba. Arriba’s mission aligns closely with our commitment to fostering economic empowerment and financial inclusion. By supporting Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Arriba not only fuels local economies but also contributes to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.  Arriba is an affiliate of Samhita, a reputable and longstanding not-for-profit microfinance leader, operating extensively in the rural heartland of Central and North India. Focused on underserved areas, Samhita reaches disadvantaged communities through the women of the households, to provide microfinance offerings and income-building activities. With a strong track record, Samhita has disbursed over USD 268 million in credit and collaborates with 276,000 households. Their dedication goes beyond financial services, encompassing crucial social services like financial literacy, legal awareness for women’s rights, and health education. Building on the solid foundation and extensive experience of Samhita, Arriba is poised to drive even further and deeper impact, creating inclusive financial opportunities for all. Netri Foundation’s mission to fight poverty through social impact investments aligns well with Arriba's objectives. Since 2006, Netri has supported over 280 projects globally, achieving positive impact in multiple sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and microfinance. This investment aims to provide crucial credit services to MSMEs in rural and underserved regions, particularly focusing on lower-tier cities and lower-income communities. A significant portion of Arriba’s borrowers are women, a particularly excluded segment in financial services. This funding will enable Arriba to offer flexible financial products tailored to the specific needs of its borrowers, fueling local economies and contributing to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.  This ongoing support marks a significant step towards our shared vision of creating inclusive financial opportunities for all. Netri Foundation and Sagana both look forward to supporting Arriba Inclusive Finance in their mission to provide innovative financial solutions that drive impactful change. To learn more about Arriba and their services, please visit https://arribafin.com To learn more about Samhita and their services, please visit https://sDevNet.org Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Praseeda Kunam #ImpactInvesting #FinancialInclusion #MSMEs #EconomicEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #Microfinance

The transition to net zero is more than just a goal—it's a seismic shift that's reshaping industries and economies. 🌍 In the latest edition of the SAGANA newsletter, we delve into the transformative world of materials transition. Discover how alternative materials like bioplastics, plant-based fibers, recycled composites, and innovative alloys are driving the shift towards a circular economy. 🔍 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 1. Pinar Ademoglu Vatandost, Senior Investment Director at SAGANA, shares insights on the materials transition, highlighting opportunities and emphasizes the critical role of investment in sustainable fashion and synthetic biology 2. Learn about Algenesis and their groundbreaking bio-based, biodegradable polyurethane 3. Explore RenewCO₂'s innovations in carbon-negative chemicals and fuels 4. Discover Woamy's recyclable cellulose bio foam, revolutionizing plastic-free packaging 5. Understand the crucial changes needed in supply chains to support the materials transition Don't miss out on these valuable insights and the opportunity to stay ahead and stay informed. Enjoy reading! 👉 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 : https://lnkd.in/g2b-2n3y 🌟 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅. https://lnkd.in/ewRjYfXz #SAGANA #ImpactInvesting #SustainableMaterials #CircularEconomy #NetZero #Innovation #SustainableBusiness

Are you a fintech company committed to advancing women's financial inclusion?  Check out the Impact-Linked Finance Fund for Gender Inclusive Fintech (ILF for GIF) and do not miss the opportunity to work with us to integrate gender transformation and Impact Measurement & Management (IMM) into your strategy and operations. As a technical assistance provider for the Impact-Linked Finance Fund (ILFF), SAGANA is dedicated to supporting FinTechs in making a meaningful impact.  Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative initiative. #SAGANA #ImpactInvesting #GenderInclusiveFintech #FinancialInclusion #TechForGood  🔗 Check out the original post 👇 Erika Kahn Macarena Machimbarrena Kelly Roberts-Robbins