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India’s social entrepreneurs are pivotal in addressing societal challenges and driving initiatives in agriculture, financial inclusion, rural supply chains, and mobility. However, despite their significant contributions, securing financial support remains a hurdle. The challenge lies in the nature of social enterprises, which require a longer runway to generate sustained impact. Traditional funding models often fail to meet these unique needs, creating a pressing demand for a more aligned investment approach.

A report by the British Council reveals that 85% of social enterprises face financial constraints while seeking funding, compared to only 15% of mainstream businesses. This highlights a critical issue—social entrepreneurs often lack access to investors, primarily due to limited networks. Addressing this disconnect is not merely a necessity; it is an opportunity for India to strengthen its social entrepreneurship ecosystem.

For social enterprises, the investment focus must transition from profit-driven to intent-driven. These startups often require extended gestation periods to achieve meaningful outcomes. A patient capital approach offers these ventures the essential time and resources to grow sustainably, fostering innovation and community impact without the relentless pressure of immediate financial returns.

Creating ‘Elephant Entrepreneurs’

The ultimate goal of patient capital is to nurture what we refer to as ‘elephant entrepreneurs.’ Like elephants, these entrepreneurs grow steadily and are resilient to economic fluctuations. They prioritise community impact and sustainability over quick returns, understanding that meaningful change takes time. By adopting a patient capital approach, we can support these entrepreneurs as they navigate their journeys. This investment strategy fosters the development of businesses that not only survive but thrive, contributing to the long-term health of local economies and society as a whole.

India’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem holds immense potential to drive sustainable and inclusive growth. However, unlocking this potential requires a fundamental shift in how we approach investment. Patient capital provides a vital framework that aligns with the long-term nature of social enterprises, allowing for a harmonious coexistence of impact and profitability.

Global value chains: Scaling through partnerships

Incorporating global value chains has become a critical strategy for scaling social enterprises, particularly through international partnerships. Collaborations with established players allow social ventures to access global markets and technologies. By integrating into these global networks, social enterprises can grow sustainably while maintaining their core mission of driving social impact. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also opens pathways to international expansion, ensuring long-term resilience and scalability.

Strategies for effective patient capital investment

For patient capital to be truly effective in supporting social enterprises, investors need to adopt strategies that balance long-term support with flexibility. One common approach is structuring fund cycles to allow enough time for social enterprises to achieve sustainable growth, with 10-year cycles emerging as a standard. This extended timeline provides founders with the necessary runway to focus on organic development rather than immediate financial exits, enabling long-term planning while also aligning with key performance indicators (KPIs). Beyond financial support, it’s essential for investors to offer holistic support that goes beyond just capital.

Emphasising community development and collaborative growth, investors can foster environments where entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporations work together, forming a strong support system. By leveraging networks and partnerships, investors play a crucial role in guiding entrepreneurs to build resilient, impact-driven businesses that deliver both social and economic value. We must focus on sectors where we can provide comprehensive support beyond mere risk capital. This means leveraging our networks, partnerships, and expertise to guide entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.

By concentrating our resources in areas where we can genuinely add value, we can ensure that social enterprises receive the holistic support they need to flourish. Encouraging early-stage founders to prioritise organic profitability is another essential strategy.

Social enterprises must focus on finding the right go-to-market strategies without succumbing to the pressures of rapidly increasing valuations. By cultivating a culture that values sustainable growth over short-term gains, we empower entrepreneurs to remain aligned with their original missions and avoid diluting their vision.

Embracing patient capital empowers social entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of their missions, stay true to their vision, and build resilient, impactful businesses. This shift is not just about funding; it’s about creating an environment where social enterprises can thrive, innovate, and ultimately drive meaningful change. Together, we can create a landscape where social enterprises not only thrive but also generate lasting, positive change in the communities they serve.