News and Announcements Archives

Root Capital and DFC Invest in Rural Women Through the 2X Challenge

Posted by Katie Naeve and Charity Wallace | July 22, 2020

When you run a small enterprise in a rural community, it’s difficult to access the financing you need to grow. If you’re a woman running one of these enterprises, it’s even harder. The International Finance Corporation estimates that up to 70% of women-owned enterprises in emerging markets are overlooked by lenders. These women-owned enterprises face a…

Preserving Lives and Livelihoods: An Update on Our COVID-19 Response

Posted by Root Capital | June 23, 2020

As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, we believe that saving lives must go hand in hand with preserving livelihoods. Agricultural businesses can play a key role in reaching the most vulnerable populations with creative, rapid responses that build long-term resilience. In a survey of our client businesses, we found they are struggling to manage their cash flow…

Black Lives Matter: A Personal Statement from Root Capital’s Founder and CEO

Posted by Willy Foote | June 9, 2020

In the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans at the hands of the police, people across the United States have come together calling for the end of systemic racism and police brutality. We at Root Capital stand in solidarity with them. Change begins in recognizing the underheard voices of the vulnerable and the…

Latest Findings About Root Capital’s Impact on Rural Livelihoods

Posted by Isabel DoCampo | May 21, 2020

Note: This blog is the final post in a four-part series exploring how Root Capital measures and manages the impact of our lending. Read parts one, two, and three. Impact measurement and management is at the heart of Root Capital’s work, helping us optimize our efforts to transform rural communities. By measuring our impact, we…

An Update on Root Capital’s COVID-19 Response

Posted by Frances Reid | April 24, 2020

It has been five weeks since we closed the Root Capital offices and switched to remote work across the globe. First and foremost, I’m grateful to report the good health of our team and clients and wish the same for you and your loved ones.

How We’re Continuing to Support Rural Businesses and Smallholder Farmers During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Posted by Root Capital | March 20, 2020

As individuals, communities, and organizations, we are all adapting to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Root Capital and the agricultural businesses we support are no exception; which is why we’re doing everything we can to continue advancing our mission during this uncertain time.

COVID-19 Update From Root Capital

Posted by Frances Reid | March 19, 2020

As the world faces an outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), our thoughts are with all of you in our global community. This is a difficult time, with many unknowns. But one thing is certain: we must continue being in solidarity with the most vulnerable.

Root Capital’s Impact in 2019

Posted by Root Capital | March 11, 2020

Last year, we partnered with agricultural enterprises to unlock prosperity in some of the most economically and environmentally vulnerable regions of the world. With the help of our donors and investors, we reached more than three million people in rural households. Thank you for supporting our mission to build prosperous, inclusive, and resilient rural communities.

Meet Root Capital’s New Chief Operating Officer

Posted by Root Capital | November 19, 2019

Root Capital is pleased to welcome Frances Reid as our new Chief Operating Officer. We recently sat down to learn more about her background and what brought her to Root Capital.

New Members Bring Expertise in Coffee and Gender Equity to Root Capital’s Board of Directors

Posted by Root Capital | October 30, 2019

Root Capital is thrilled to announce the addition of two sector-leading experts to our board of directors. Lindsey Bolger, who has spent the last three decades promoting sustainable sourcing within the coffee industry, has joined us alongside Marissa Wesely, a lawyer and life-long advocate for women's economic opportunity. You can read more about Lindsey and Marissa below.