New Ventures interviews Axial Par director Paulo Bellotti about his firm's unique small enterprise development model and the key to successful SME investment.

PDF Version of this article

The tagline for Brazilian venture capital firm AxialPar is "Investing in Sustainability," but speaking with Director Paulo Bellotti, it quickly becomes clear that a knowledgeable firm in the green SME sector must be focused on more than just a company's environmental benefits. Paulo explains that investors moving into the profitable but largely uncharted territory of SME finance must have a holistic approach with any investment, taking into account sustainability impacts, but also placing a heavy emphasis on new technology, strong management and clear market opportunities.
It is on these foundational principles that AxialPar has based its efforts, mitigating the risk inherent in investing in small green companies by focusing on high-growth sectors including health foods, renewable energy and clean technology. Paulo asserts that small enterprises have an advantage in these newer industries, as their flexibility relative to larger corporations allows them to quickly adapt new environmental technologies to specific market demands.

Continue reading by clicking "read more" below

NextBillion's good friend and colleague Stuart Hart - of the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise at Cornell University and Enterprise for a Sustainable World - has recently released the second edition of his book, "Capitalism at Crossroads." The newly revised edition includes new case studies, up-to-date info on trends, and insights from the BOP Protocol.

The book is an updated, thoroughly revised edition:

Drawing on his experience consulting with leading companies and NGOs worldwide, Hart shows how to become truly indigenous to all your markets -and avoid the pitfalls of traditional 'greening' and 'sustainability' strategies. This book doesn't just point the way to sustainable enterprise: it offers specific techniques to recharge innovation, growth, and profitability in real businesses.

The new edition of "Capitalism at Crossroads" has a foreword by Al Gore, former vice-president of the U.S. and member of the WRI Board of Directors. The book is on sale on all major book retailers. Check it out, and congratulations to Stu!

Side note: Stu will be delivering a plenary talk at next month’s Business to 4 Billion conference at the University of Michigan (also his alma mater). There are only 9 spots left, so register today if you’re interested – it is sure to be a good event for those interested in the BOP arena.