Ideas Labs | Competitiveness and Social Innovation | Kristin Peterson

TL;DR

From project-based to technology-based model for affordable internet access in Emerging Markets.

Transcript

today I've been asked to share my story of how we made the decision to change our business model so we could tackle one of the key issues that we were seeing from our social Enterprise better access to broadband and more scalable access to broadband in Emerging Markets so we started an invent there were three founders uh 2004 were from Silicon Vall... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Leveraging technology for social impact in Developing Nations.
• 📽️ The evolution from project-focused to technology-driven models for scalability.
• 🚙 The recognition of internet access as a utility and shared resource.
• ❓ Collaboration with local entrepreneurs for market penetration and sustainability.
• 🧑‍💻 Support from major tech players like Google and Cisco for expansions.
• ❓ The importance of transitioning to a for-profit model for scalability and viability.
• 🚀 Successful launch in underserved areas like Northern Uganda for affordable internet access.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the organization tackle the issue of better broadband access in Developing Nations?

The organization transitioned from a project-based model to a technology-based model to provide sustainable internet access in challenging environments by leveraging partnerships with local entrepreneurs.

Q: What prompted the shift from a non-profit to a for-profit business model?

The realization that internet access was a utility and a shared resource led to the decision to transition to a for-profit model to drive scalability in providing affordable internet access in Emerging Markets.

Q: How did the organization convince funders of the viability of the for-profit model?

By demonstrating the potential impact and scalability of the for-profit model through successful launches in underserved areas like Northern Uganda, showcasing the value of sustainable and affordable internet access.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Founders from Silicon Valley aimed to provide better broadband access in Developing Nations.

• Project-based model evolved to tech-based for sustainable internet access.

• Transitioning from a non-profit to a for-profit model for scalability and viability.