Jessica Jackley is an entrepreneur whose journey has been defined by a deep commitment to social change. As the co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first online micro-lending platform, she has revolutionized the way we think about poverty alleviation and social impact. Her story is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and empathy in creating lasting global change.
The Spark of an Idea: Bridging the Gap Between Lenders and Entrepreneurs
Born and raised in the United States, Jessica Jackley had always been passionate about social justice and helping others. While studying at Stanford University, she first encountered the concept of microfinance—small loans given to individuals in developing countries to help them start or grow businesses. Inspired by this idea, Jessica saw an opportunity to connect lenders with entrepreneurs directly via the internet.
In 2005, she co-founded Kiva, aiming to offer micro-loans through a simple online platform. Kiva allowed individuals to lend as little as $25 to support small entrepreneurs in underserved communities around the world. This idea was revolutionary—allowing people to become “lenders” and not just donors, empowering both sides of the transaction.
Kiva’s Growth and Impact
With the launch of Kiva, Jessica and her team faced challenges typical of a startup, but the platform’s success quickly exceeded expectations. By 2009, Kiva had raised over $100 million in micro-loans. It became the world’s largest online micro-lending platform, connecting people across the globe and transforming the way individuals viewed philanthropy. The success of Kiva showed that small, impactful loans could change lives and create sustainable businesses, particularly in developing countries.
Expanding Horizons: Moving Beyond Kiva
After the success of Kiva, Jessica continued her work in social entrepreneurship. She went on to serve on the board of directors for the nonprofit, and also became an active advisor to other social enterprises. In addition to her involvement in Kiva, Jessica has worked with various organizations focused on providing opportunities for women and entrepreneurs around the world.
In 2012, Jessica left Kiva to start a new venture, the collaborative platform “ProFounder,” which aimed to help small business owners raise capital from their communities.
Empowering Women and Entrepreneurs
Jessica has been a passionate advocate for female entrepreneurship, recognizing the barriers women face in starting businesses, especially in developing regions. Through her initiatives, she has worked to create more opportunities for women and underserved communities. Her dedication to creating solutions that uplift marginalized groups continues to be a core aspect of her work.
A Vision for a Better World
Jessica Jackley’s journey is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t just have to be about profit—it can be a force for good. Her work has inspired millions to think about business in a new way, and she continues to build platforms that create lasting change and empowerment for entrepreneurs worldwide.
