Just five years ago, many established microfinance institutions (MFIs) avoided the urban areas of India because of the high risk associated with the perceived transient nature of the urban poor.

In 2006, with the belief that urban microfinance could be successful in India, the foundation began a concerted effort to help establish a strong urban microfinance industry though equity investments and grants to early-stage, high-potential, socially motivated MFIs. Today, the urban microfinance market in India has an estimated 7 million clients.

Our investments have been guided by three areas:

• The MFI’s client or customer-centric approach
• The ability of the MFI to cost-effectively reach an increasing number of clients
• The intended impact on the quality of life of their clients.

Our investees are recognized as some of the most innovative urban MFIs in terms of their products, operations and delivery. Many have incorporated unique technologies to optimize their business processes and offer new services to their clients.