Drishtee: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Drishtee is a social enterprise established in 2000, dedicated to fostering sustainable livelihoods and shared prosperity in rural India. Operating across over 6,000 villages, Drishtee connects rural communities with essential services and market opportunities through a network of local entrepreneurs.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To facilitate the development of rural community organizations and deliver business services that demonstrate a model of sustainable living on the planet.

• Vision: To create a world where all communities are empowered to achieve shared prosperity.

Primary Area of Focus

Drishtee focuses on rural development by establishing a network of local entrepreneurs who provide critical goods and services, thereby promoting economic growth and self-reliance in rural areas.

Industry Significance

By bridging the urban-rural divide, Drishtee plays a pivotal role in enhancing access to essential services, fostering entrepreneurship, and reducing rural-urban migration. Its innovative model has been recognized and replicated by various organizations and government bodies.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Community Empowerment: Building self-reliant, sustainable, and interdependent community organizations.

• Livelihood Generation: Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through micro-enterprise development.

• Service Delivery: Providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial inclusion to rural communities.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Micro-Enterprise Development: Supporting rural entrepreneurs in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and handicrafts.

• Capacity Building: Offering vocational training and skill development programs to enhance employability.

• Supply Chain Management: Establishing efficient distribution networks for goods and services in rural areas.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Implementing ICT solutions to deliver e-governance, education, and healthcare services.

• Mobile Platforms: Utilizing mobile technology for financial inclusion and market access.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Drishtee primarily targets rural communities across India, focusing on marginalized groups such as women, farmers, and youth, aiming to uplift them through sustainable livelihoods and access to essential services.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Drishtee has attracted support from various investors and partners to scale its operations:

• Acumen Fund: Provided investment to expand Drishtee's entrepreneur programs and health-related services.

• Digital Partners: Invested $50,000 in 2002 and $100,000 in 2003 to support Drishtee's growth.

• Anant Nagesh: An NRI investor who invested ₹24 lakh in February 2002, facilitating Drishtee's official launch.

Total Funds Raised

While specific figures are not publicly disclosed, Drishtee has secured multiple investments and grants to support its initiatives.

Notable Investors

• Acumen Fund: A global impact investment fund supporting social enterprises.

• Digital Partners: A venture philanthropy firm investing in innovative social enterprises.

• Anant Nagesh: An NRI investor supporting Drishtee's mission.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised has been utilized to:

• Expand Entrepreneur Programs: Increase the number of rural entrepreneurs and geographic coverage.

• Develop Health Services: Integrate health-related services into Drishtee's offerings.

• Enhance Service Delivery: Improve the efficiency and reach of essential services in rural areas.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Drishtee's initiatives include:

• Drishtee Rural Apparel Producer Organization (DRAP): A self-sustainable producer company of handmade fabrics and apparel, aiming to impact the livelihood of 5,000 marginalized women by 2020.

• Unnati Fresh/Sakhi Farmer Basket: A platform connecting marginal women farmers with urban consumers, providing access to stable markets and fixed prices for produce.

• Rural BPO Centers: Establishing business process outsourcing centers in rural areas to create employment opportunities and reduce migration.

Stages of Development

These initiatives are in various stages, from pilot programs to scaling operations, with ongoing efforts to integrate them into Drishtee's broader ecosystem.

Target Conditions

The initiatives aim to address:

• Economic Empowerment: Enhancing income opportunities for rural communities.

• Market Access: Connecting rural producers with urban markets.

• Employment Generation: Creating job opportunities to reduce rural-urban migration.

Relevant Timelines

Specific timelines for each initiative vary, with some aiming for short-term impacts and others focusing on long-term sustainability.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• ICT Kiosks: Village-based centers providing access to e-governance, education, and healthcare services.

• Mobile Platforms: Facilitating financial transactions and market access for rural communities.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Engaging communities in identifying local resources, challenges, and priorities.

• Barter Systems: Enabling exchange of goods and services within communities to promote self-sufficiency.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Satyan Mishra: Founder and CEO, leading Drishtee's vision and strategic direction.

• Swapna Mishra: Co-founder, contributing to Drishtee's growth and operations.

Professional Backgrounds

• Satyan Mishra: An Ashoka Fellow and social entrepreneur with a background in technology and rural development.

• Swapna Mishra: Co-founder with experience in social entrepreneurship and rural development.

Key Contributions

• Satyan Mishra: Pioneered Drishtee's model of rural entrepreneurship and service delivery.

• Swapna Mishra: Played a significant role in scaling Drishtee's operations and impact.

Leadership Changes

No significant leadership changes have been reported recently.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The rural development sector in India is characterized by a large underserved population, presenting opportunities for enterprises like Drishtee to provide essential services and create livelihoods.

Competitor Analysis

• Barefoot College: Focuses on training women in solar engineering to promote sustainable energy solutions.

• SELCO India: Provides solar energy solutions to underserved communities.

• Rang De: Offers low-cost loans to underserved communities for various needs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Drishtee collaborates with various organizations to enhance its impact:

• Acumen Fund: Invested to expand Drishtee's entrepreneur programs and health services.

• Microsoft: Partnered on projects delivering e-commerce and e-health services in rural villages.

• Nestlé India: Collaborated to create a rural supply chain network.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Drishtee's model of connecting rural producers with urban markets through a network of local entrepreneurs provides a competitive advantage in delivering essential services efficiently.

Market Position