Uncharted

Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.

Partner description:
Uncharted (previously the Unreasonable Institute) is a social enterprise accelerator that connects entrepreneurs with the resources and means to address major problems at scale. The goal of the Institute is to create scalable solutions and interventions that can be replicated.
The Institute’s accelerator programs range in length from 5 days to 5 weeks. They offer programs tailored by sector, with localized trainings and access to a large mentor network. Previously financed by a combination of grants and a flat fee charged to ventures, Uncharted now follows a revenue sharing scheme.

A unique lending approach:
As an accelerator, the Unchrated didn’t have a formal lending program until 2015, when they formed a partnership with Nike/Girl Effect to create a revolving loan fund for companies delivering resources to girls in poverty.
For loans funded on Kiva, the organization will select ventures that have graduated from one of the Unchareted accelerator programs. The loans will be used to help entrepreneurs increase impact, and must be used immediately for “productive assets,” or resources that will generate revenue. Examples include:  filling a working capital gap from the time a sale is closed and payment is received; hiring a new salesperson; or spending on proven marketing strategies that increase sales. The Uncharted expects its graduates to use this early capital to prove their worthiness for future, larger investments.