Jacqueline Novogratz
Founder & CEO
New York, New York, United States
Professional Overview
Jacqueline Novogratz is the Founder and CEO of Acumen, a non-profit venture capital fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to tackle global poverty. With over two decades of experience in the social impact sector, she is a recognized leader in the field of impact investing and patient capital.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and CEO of Acumen, Jacqueline Novogratz oversees the organization's mission to use entrepreneurial approaches to address the challenges faced by the world's poor. Under her leadership, Acumen has invested over $100 million to deliver affordable services like healthcare, water, housing, and energy to millions of low-income individuals across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the United States. Jacqueline has been instrumental in pioneering the concept of "patient capital" - long-term, affordable investments that enable social enterprises to scale and deliver sustainable solutions.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Acumen, Jacqueline Novogratz had an extensive career in the social impact sector. She began her career at the international banking firm Chase Manhattan, where she managed credit and portfolio risk in Africa. She then went on to co-found Duterimbere, a micro-finance institution in Rwanda, and served as a country director for the international non-profit organization CARE. Jacqueline's unique blend of private sector experience and social entrepreneurship expertise has made her a respected thought leader in the field of impact investing.
Academic Background
Jacqueline Novogratz holds a BA in Economics and International Relations from the University of Virginia. She has also been awarded several honorary doctorates, including from the University of Notre Dame, the University of California San Diego, and the University of Michigan.
Areas of Expertise
- Impact investing and patient capital
- Social entrepreneurship and innovative approaches to addressing global poverty
- Nonprofit management and strategy
- Emerging market operations and development
- Public-private partnerships and cross-sector collaboration
Professional Impact
Jacqueline Novogratz is a renowned speaker and author, having published the bestselling memoir "The Blue Sweater" and the book "Manifesto for a Moral Revolution." She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being named one of the "25 Greatest Global Living Legends" by Consumers International and a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum. Jacqueline's work and leadership have had a significant impact on the social impact sector, inspiring a new generation of impact investors and social entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Jacqueline Novogratz is a pioneering leader in the field of impact investing and social entrepreneurship. Through her work at Acumen, she has demonstrated the power of patient capital and innovative approaches to addressing global poverty and delivering sustainable solutions to underserved communities. With her extensive experience, thought leadership, and commitment to creating a more equitable world, Jacqueline Novogratz continues to drive positive change and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
