Microfinance: Myth & Magic September 8, 2006

Is microfinance delivering on its promises? Or do we need fresh innovation to scale impact, and ensure long-term market solutions to poverty? Join us for an active debate with entrepreneurs and investors defining the new edge in unleashing the positive power of small capital in a big way. Whether you are a business leader seeking to make a high impact difference in the world, or an investor seeking new frontiers - this forum provides knowledge and concrete opportunities to take the next step.

Joining the panel on September 8th will be Premal Shah, President of Kiva (www.kiva.org) and Wim van der Beek, Founding Partner of Goodwell Investments.

Kiva has been haled as the "Innovation of the Week: an eBay for Microfinance" by BusinessWeek and the BBC declared Kiva is "Revolutionizing the way donors and lenders in the U.S. are connecting with small entrepreneurs in the developing world".

Wim van der Beek launched two funds in 2006. One, a global microfinance private equity fund (Goodwell) and an India focused sub-fund (Aavishkaar Goodwell). Both funds are expected to close at $10 million each this fall, with a second closing in 2007 of $30 million.

Bios:
Premal Shah, President, Kiva
As President of Kiva.org, Premal leads Kiva's efforts to scale its partnerships and member base. Prior to Kiva, Premal was a Principal Product Manager at PayPal, an eBay company. During his career at PayPal, Premal drove a number of key initiatives including a year long project defining eBay's role in economically empowering the global working poor.

Wim van der Beek, Founding Partner, Goodwell Investments
Wim is a financial architect and engineer with two decades of experience in international financial structuring. He is the founding partner of Goodwell Investments, an investment firm that develops innovative high return high impact investment solutions.

Panel moderated by Amber Nystrom, Founder & Executive Director, Social Fusion.

$30 pre-registration; $40 at the door; $20 student and Fusion Affiliates (includes lunch).

Official Website: http://socialfusion.org/cse