Founded in 2001 by Jacqueline Novogratz, Acumen aims to use the power of entrepreneurship to build a world where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity. Acumen understood that the markets alone cannot solve the problem of poverty, the platform has introduced patient capital. Investing patient capital is not to get high returns but rather to jump-start the creation of startups that improve the ability of the poor to live with dignity.

The fund invests in startups that have new business models that can bring affordable, life-changing products and services to the poor. With a ticket size ranging from $1 to $6 million, Acumen invests in sectors of Energy, Agriculture, Health, and Education. The fund makes seed and early-stage investments that help social enterprises validate assumptions and bring products and services to market.

Some of the note-worthy startups in the fund's portfolio are Aarusha Homes, Acceso Colombia, Affect Therapeutics, Aga Khan Support Program, Akili Network, Ampersaad, Aec Health Justice, and Avani Bio Energy.