Grassroots Business Fund

Grassroots Business Fund is a venture capital investment firm focused on providing growth capital to businesses in emerging markets. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in Nairobi, Lima, and New Delhi, the firm invests primarily in environmentally and socially responsible companies across sectors such as technology, agriculture, clean energy, and consumer durables. Grassroots Business Fund targets investments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, typically committing between $0.5 million and $2.5 million in equity and $0.04 million to $0.15 million in debt. The firm aims to support high-impact businesses while generating financial returns for its investors, with a focus on creating sustainable economic opportunities in low-income communities. It seeks to realize exits from its investments within five to seven years and has been bolstered by support from various governments and foundations, successfully closing a significant private investment fund and securing grants for its non-profit initiatives.

Serge Kremer

Advisor

5 past transactions

Industree Crafts

Venture Round in 2016
Industree Crafts provides millions of artisans and farmers in India the opportunity to work in clusters, honing skill sets, increasing productivity, and earning better and continuous incomes. Workers reinvest their savings to participate in production unit ownership.

Soko

Seed Round in 2015
Soko, Inc. operates an online store for handcrafted jewelry and accessories. It offers necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. The company was formerly known as SasaAfrica. Soko, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Kenya with additional offices in Nairobi, San Francisco, and New York. Soko, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SOKO EPZ.

Industree Crafts

Venture Round in 2013
Industree Crafts provides millions of artisans and farmers in India the opportunity to work in clusters, honing skill sets, increasing productivity, and earning better and continuous incomes. Workers reinvest their savings to participate in production unit ownership.

TARA Machines

Venture Round in 2012
TARA Machines and Tech Services Private Limited manufactures paper cycling machinery. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in New Delhi, India.

Industree Crafts

Venture Round in 2011
Industree Crafts provides millions of artisans and farmers in India the opportunity to work in clusters, honing skill sets, increasing productivity, and earning better and continuous incomes. Workers reinvest their savings to participate in production unit ownership.