Artha Platform

The Artha Entrepreneur Discovery Challenge was launched with the aim of assisting enterprises in showcasing their businesses to Artha’s extensive investor network, comprising both the Artha Platform and the Impact for Breakfast network. This collective network includes over 1,300 global Impact Investors who are invited to participate in all pitch sessions.
The challenge is open to any entrepreneur with a profile on Artha’s platform. Enterprises are thoughtfully chosen by the Artha Team, aligning with the sector of focus for each challenge. This selection provides them with the opportunity to present their high-impact business models through pitch sessions. To qualify as a finalist, a key requirement is the comprehensive completion of their user profile.
Throughout the year, Artha will spotlight various sectors on a monthly basis as part of their annual program.

The Artha Venture Challenge (AVC) operated as a conventional competition for early-stage social enterprises in India from 2013 to 2017. The primary objective was to identify and select finalist enterprises that met specific criteria. These chosen enterprises would then receive a duration of business support spanning between 9 and 18 months from Artha’s teams and collaborators. Following this support period, Artha would assist in identifying a lead investor and match the equity capital, with a minimum of 30 lakhs or $50,000 USD, against incoming peer equity, debt, or grant funding. This concept was originally inspired by the "Big Venture Challenge" program initiated by UnLtd. in the UK.
Today, Artha’s commitment to catalyzing impact continues through its partnership with Menterra Ventures, established in 2017. Meanwhile, it has transitioned from the competition format with defined start and end dates to a more flexible and ongoing "rolling" application process.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Indian economy, supporting over 70 percent of rural households and making a significant contribution of 17 percent to the total GDP. It also serves as the primary source of employment for more than 60 percent of the population. This sector holds a special place in Artha's endeavors, marking the origin of its work in 2007. The commitment to this field is deeply intertwined with the interests and heritage of the Singh family, whose trusts it provides guidance for. The focus extends beyond optimizing the technologies, resources, and services that benefit small-scale farmers. Artha is equally passionate about streamlining supply chains, ensuring that producers at the base of the socioeconomic pyramid are empowered to drive their own progress.

India grapples with one of the globe's most substantial rates of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and it is the most economically disadvantaged segments of the population that bear the brunt. The World Bank suggests that as much as 90% of all healthcare requirements can be effectively addressed at the primary healthcare level. Artha's investment philosophy is rooted in the conviction that sustainable solutions to provide last-mile healthcare services, particularly in the realm of diagnostics and therapeutics, offer a path forward. The level of innovative breakthroughs, not just in terms of technology but also in the India-specific business models, is truly remarkable.

Livelihood encompasses the array of activities individuals undertake throughout their lives, encompassing the means to access water, food, medicine, shelter, clothing, and the capacity to procure these fundamental necessities. These activities can be carried out either individually or collectively, fostering sustainable household management and preserving dignity. Investing in income-generating endeavors has been a core focus for Artha since its inception, finding expression in various forms within its investment portfolio. This commitment includes employing individuals from underserved communities and delivering services or products to empower these communities, significantly augmenting their income-earning capabilities.

The Impact for Breakfast Club plays an integral role in Artha Impact's initiatives. It is an informal network that brings together family offices, foundations, funds, venture philanthropy groups, and intermediary organizations who share a common dedication to social enterprise, entrepreneurship, and impact investing. This unique and specialized network has been evolving and expanding for over 11 years. The collective interests extend from small and emerging businesses in Europe to those in the most remote emerging markets. The primary aim of this network is to facilitate mutual learning and promote more effective collaboration among its members.