Acumen Academy

Rebuilding broken systems isn’t just about innovation, it’s about restoring dignity to the people they’ve left behind. In Tanzania, where agriculture employs 65% of the population, over half of farmers’ produce never reaches the market. Broken value chains, unfair pricing, and post-harvest losses have long undermined farmer livelihoods. But Elia Timotheo, an Acumen Fellow and founder of East Africa Foods, decided to take a different path. By listening first. Instead of rushing to solutions, Elia immersed himself in the lived experiences of farmers and buyers. He then built a business that added value at every stage of the chain — from training farmers, to cold-chain logistics, to enabling credit access for small informal retailers. Read this case study to learn how a systems-thinking approach, rooted in deep listening and empathy, can unlock scalable impact: https://hubs.la/Q03gcL-P0

Social entrepreneurs are well aware of the opportunity to bring women into formal supply chains in emerging markets. Women make up nearly half of the agricultural workforce, yet they’re often excluded from the most valuable parts of the supply chain. This is a fairness issue — but also a business opportunity. Warc Africa, a social enterprise in Ghana, transformed its supply chain by establishing local Trading Hubs managed by women to directly address barriers female farmers face. By building gender inclusion into their model, Warc increased earnings and improved farmers’ quality of life: - 61% of women farmers and 40% of men farmers say their quality of life has improved  - For both farmers and Hub managers, 96% reported increased earnings after working with Warc Learn more about how your organization or company can use gender-smart interventions to boost your business in this blog by guest authors from Value For Women Ltd. https://lnkd.in/gnpqSMBA

Got a big investor meeting coming up? Here’s how to nail it: use storytelling to inspire action. Investors want to connect with the mission, vision, and impact you’re creating. But telling the story of your organization isn’t just about numbers—it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that inspires. Our latest resource will teach you how to use the story spine to craft a memorable and inspiring narrative about your organization that leads to a successful pitch and strong first impression. Get started here: https://hubs.la/Q03f5b8N0 What’s your #1 tip for pitching to investors? Share in the comments!

As we journey through TED this week, the true power of ideas comes alive not only in the talks but in the experiences of our Foundry Members. A reflection from the Foundry: “My biggest takeaway of TED is the community, the collegial atmosphere, the folks, and the openness of this incredible community. I’ve been following TED since 2004, and the videos hold nothing to the in-person experience. It’s been amazing!” — Tosan Mogbeyiteren, West Africa Acumen 2024 Every perspective adds to the bigger picture. Your voices are what drive us forward. #AcumenAcademy #TED #FoundryReflections

Big problems demand bold solutions. Yet even the best ideas need the right support to build and scale. That’s why each year, Acumen Angels provides early-stage capital and support to entrepreneurs and builders from within our community whose bold ideas are tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. Here’s a look at some of the impact their having across sectors: - Education: more than 11 million lives impacted through education and learning platforms. - Workforce Development: More than 8.9 million people have gained skills, secured better economic opportunities, and formalized their work - Health, agriculture, and financial inclusion: Hundreds of thousands have gained access to essential services that are improving their lives. These aren’t just numbers. They represent lives changed—proof that betting on bold ideas at the earliest stages can drive change in big ways. What sector do you think will continue to see impact in the next five years? #ImpactMatters #AcumenAngels #EntrepreneurshipForGood #SocialInnovation

Have another favorite? Drop it in the comments! Let’s build the ultimate TED Talk watchlist. #TEDTalks #Leadership #Inspiration #Learning #AcumenAcademy

If you're building products or services for low-income communities, understanding your customers is everything. That’s why we created the 4 T’s of Marketing — a practical tool to help you design marketing strategies rooted in trust, empathy, and community. ✨ This tool invites you to reflect on: Truth — What realities shape your customers’ daily decisions? Trust — How can you earn confidence in high-stakes environments? Ties — Which networks influence behavior and build momentum? Trials — What small experiments can you run to learn what truly resonates? This isn’t about selling more. It’s about building relationships that lead to referrals, respect, and customer satisfaction. https://hubs.la/Q03gdm380

Struggling to make the right connections at events? Effective networking is less about handing out business cards and more about converting first interactions into lasting partnerships. Below, we share 5 tips for effective networking at events to help you connect with investors who align with your mission. From identifying mutual value, to building generosity, learn how to transform any networking event into a long-term opportunity. Check out our 5 quick tips to help you succeed here: https://hubs.la/Q03f5clt0 What’s the best networking tip you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments!

Progress in leadership rarely follows a straight line. It’s more like a dance—two steps forward, one step back. But what if that step back isn’t failure? What if it’s evolution? At Acumen Academy, we see setbacks as recalibrations. Just as ecosystems adapt and thrive through cycles, so do leaders. Scott Hutcheson's Forbes piece, Two-Step Leadership: Why Progress Often Looks Like a Step Back, explores how turning reactive spirals into resilience fuels true progress. How do you design with setbacks in mind? Drop your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take. #Leadership #AcumenAcademy #TwoStepLeadership #AdaptiveLeadership #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #SystemsThinking

The countdown to TED 2025 begins! In just one week, 15 Acumen Fellows will join a vibrant network of global leaders from over 30 industry sectors, united by a passion for shaping a better future. From more than 80 TED Talks, interviews, and performances, to deep-dive workshops and activities, this global convening offers opportunities for boundless inspiration and connection for impact. We are thrilled to have Foundry Members join the experience.