What happens when you combine philanthropic capital with strategic guidance to empower ventures?

elea’s strategic impact investing empowers entrepreneurs to create jobs, foster resilience and drive sustainable change in underserved communities.

In brief

• elea combines philanthropic capital and strategic guidance to support small ventures that deliver measurable social and economic impact.

• Success stories from India and Latin America highlight how structured support enables individuals to overcome adversity and inspire others.

• The elea Entrepreneurs’ Community fosters collaboration and growth for over 60 impact-driven entrepreneurs worldwide.
  

As part of our social commitment, we at the EY-Parthenon Business Circle proudly feature elea, a tax-exempt foundation that takes a distinctive approach to tackling poverty: philanthropic impact investing. For over 20 years, elea has combined philanthropic capital with strategic guidance to empower ventures in their post-startup and growth phases—ventures that achieve long-term economic success while generating measurable social impact.

Headquartered in Switzerland with hubs in Johannesburg and Mexico City, elea manages a diverse portfolio of more than thirty impact ventures. These ventures benefit not only from patient capital but also from business expertise, mentoring and access to elea’s global network. Acting as a sparring partner, elea focuses on initiatives across agricultural value chains, last-mile retail and services, employable skills, climate resilience and livelihoods, supporting solutions that create lasting change for both people and communities alike.

From waste to opportunity: enabling new futures in India

In the bustling streets of Bengaluru, Loathfer started his journey pushing a small vehicle, collecting waste from just three residential complexes. Today, he leads a team of 30, owns multiple vehicles and works to provide similar opportunities for other micro-entrepreneurs. Behind this transformation is Hasiru Dala, an organization that turns informal waste collection into a recognized, dignified occupation, changing lives in ways that go far beyond earning a wage. Other examples are Lakshmi and Indumathi who have faced unimaginable challenges. Lakshmi, left to care for her three children on her own at a young age, struggled to earn enough to support her family. Indumathi juggled four jobs while enduring verbal abuse as she collected waste on the streets. Thanks to training, formal recognition and leadership opportunities, both women now not only support their families but also serve as role models in their communities. Their stories demonstrate the power of structured support and how opportunity can rewrite the trajectory of a life.

Unlocking potential: tech opportunities for Latin America’s youth

In Latin America, a different challenge presents itself: unlocking the potential of young people in a fast-evolving tech world. In Argentina, for example, around 80% of youth from disadvantaged communities are unemployed or work in informal jobs. Arbusta, a venture strategically supported by elea, takes on young people for their potential rather than their formal qualifications. Attitude, willingness to learn, soft skills and basic technical knowledge are the focus. For many participants, it is their first formal employment ‒ giving them not only an income but also confidence, social recognition and a vision for the future.

One young participant, Yani Guerrero from an Argentinian suburb, is just one of hundreds whose lives have been transformed. Arbusta has already employed over 850 young people in cities in Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay, with plans to reach 2,000 in the next three years. Beyond the individual, the impact ripples through families and communities, inspiring others to explore new possibilities and imagine a different future.

A global community of change-makers

Over time, elea has also grown into a broader community of visionary entrepreneurs, philanthropic investors, co-investors and ambitious talents who share the purpose of accelerating impact. At its core lies the elea Entrepreneurs’ Community, which currently boasts over 50 portfolio entrepreneurs. It fosters peer-to-peer learning, co-creation and mutual support, offering a trusted space where impact entrepreneurs can exchange ideas and grow together. To learn more and take part in these initiatives, visit elea’s official website.